Energy Management and Efficiency Programme in Jamaica

Introduction

Jamaica produces very little energy from indigenous sources, relying on fossil fuel imports. Between 2010-2015, the import of petroleum products costed an annual average of USD 1.9 billion or 13,5% of the GDP. Furthermore, electricity generation depends on old, inefficient diesel generators, which is reflected on the high electricity bills.

For all these reasons, Jamaica aims to transform the energy sector into a more secure and economically and environmentally sustainable one, based on more efficient systems and the inclusion of renewable energy sources. 

Objectives

The Energy Management and Efficiency Programme promotes energy efficiency and conservation by reducing electricity consumption within government facilities. This frees public funds through lower government bills and reduces oil imports, helping the government of Jamaica to reduce its debt and create the fiscal space for productive spending whilst also contributing to greenhouse gas emissions’ reduction.

The energy transition and the deployment of renewable energies is among the commitments of the Global Gateway strategy.

Project activities

The project will enact two main activities:

• Retrofitting public buildings
• Supporting capacity building for energy planning and financing key technical studies that support strategic planning

Results

These actions will:

• Reduce fuel imports by 618 608 barrels of oil per year
• Reduce carbon emissions by 228 424 tons CO2 per year
• Provide new energy-efficient systems to at least seven hospitals in Jamaica

Implementing partner

Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)

Co-implementing partner

JICA - Japan International Cooperation Agency