Minister of Science, Technology Energy and Minining, the Hon. Phillip Paulwell.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the motion in this 2013/2014 Budget Debate, truly a critical point for our country, our economy and the well being of our people.
Over the past 15 months, as we negotiated this new crucial IMF Extended Fund Agreement from the ru
Keisha Hill, Gleaner Writer
With the high costs now associated with the use of electricity, consumers will now be happy to know that Samsung Electronics has unveiled in Jamaica a new refrigerator with a digital inverter that is guaranteed to save energy, automatically levels the power fluctuation, has more durability and a higher cooling performance to keep food in top condition.
The digital inverter increases energy efficiency by automatically choosing between five-speed RPM in response to cooling requirements. According to Alvin Vanegas, Samsung sales executive for home appliances, opening the door frequently or putting a plate of hot food in the refrigerator can create changes in temperature, but the digital inverter compressor reacts quickly to provide cool air to slow or speed, reducing energy consumption.
“In the same way that technology aims to prolong the life of the refrigerator, Samsung reinforces its commitment to the durability of its products, offering consumers a 10-year warranty on the compressor,” Vanegas said.
With the new combi fridge freezer, Samsung brings powerful technologcal innovations into the home, empowering families to get more out of their appliances and run their households more efficiently. Advanced technology in Samsung’s new refrigerator delivers an overall unique design, complemented by special features that work together to maximise space efficiency.
“It comes equipped with unique resources that provide convenient storage options and efficient use of space, including a sliding tray to store and get food easier and a compartment door which is longer and deeper for bottles,” Vanegas said.
The refrigerator also has:
Auto Ice Maker
Ice max or ice packs, depending on the model, offering two ice compartments.
LED light which is high in efficiency and better at illuminating the interior.
Sophisticated design of the door providing easy opening.
Water dispenser at a height that eliminates the need to tilt the body to use.
‘Moistfresh zone’ which controls the airflow to maintain optimum moisture, creating the perfect environment for storing fruits and vegetables.
‘Cool pack’ keeps the cold in the freezer for eight hours in case of power failure, preventing food from spoiling in the event of an ice-melt.
For more information on the Samsung Digital Inverter Compressor refrigerator, visit:
Debbie-Ann Wright, News Editor – Radio
The National Water Commission (NWC) is advising that frequent fluctuations in the power supply to the Tulloch Springs/Rio Cobre Water Supply System is affecting service to customers in Kingston, St Andrew and St Catherine.
The company says the power supply interruptions have worsened the impact of the prolonged drought.
It says the mechanical failure at one of the sources has resulted in a shortfall of more than 3 million gallons of water each day on the Tulloch Springs/Rio Cobre Water Supply System.
It says some customers in Kingston, St Andrew and St Catherine either have no water, intermittent supply or are experiencing low water pressure.
The areas affected include sections of Portmore, downtown Kingston, communities off Washington Boulevard, Molynes Road, and Spanish Town Road.
The NWC says the problem has been reported to the Jamaica Public Service and work is being done to return to normal operation in the shortest possible time.
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This article has been submitted by the JPS.
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As the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) evaluates proposals for the construction of the next generation of generating plants, the question of what is the best technology to deploy has ignited a public debate, as we saw with the recent article published in the Business Observer (Wednesday, April 3).
The two leading technologies that have emerged are the medium-speed reciprocating engines (diesel) (MSD) and the combined cycle gas turbines (CCGT). Both technologies are currently in operation in Jamaica and have some inherent advantages and disadvantages.
Total generation cost, flexibility of fuel options, ease and frequency of maintenance and environmental issues are all important considerations that will factor into the decision by the OUR in the technology choice. The analysis by JPS has concluded that the CCGT is the right generation solution for Jamaica at this time.
Policy & regulatory framework
The decision on the most appropriate technology for electricity generation is first framed by the policy objectives of both the Government and the OUR. The two most important objectives of the National Energy Policy and the regulator are:
1. A significant reduction in electricity prices; and
2. Fuel diversification.
The Government and the OUR have agreed that a policy of diversifying the mix of fuel used for electricity generation away from oil is the most effective in lowering electricity cost. JPS agrees with this policy approach and it is within that context it has conducted an evaluation of the available technologies to replace its existing capacity and prepare for sustainability and future growth in electricity demand.
Sector experience
JPS has been Jamaica’s electricity provider for 90 years and owns the largest block of power plants on the island. Its majority shareholders, Marubeni Corporation of Japan and Korea East-West Power Company together own and operate power plants (including diesels and combined cycle units) with an installed capacity of over 9,000 MW globally and using a full range of fuels: coal, gas, oil, hydro, wind, solar. No other entity in Jamaica and few others across the world can similarly claim this level of operational familiarity and experience with such a range of plants and fuel.
JPS drew on this knowledge, experience and policy objectives in preparing its proposal to the OUR and after careful analysis has concluded that the CCGT technology offers the best efficiency and flexibility option for generation expansion in Jamaica at this time.
Here’s why.
Cost of Energy
APPLIANCE Traders Limited (ATL) has expanded into the alternative energy business.
ATL Energy Solutions will add solar water heaters, photovoltaic panels and other devices for revewable power to the appliance retailers energy-efficient product line.
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Shani Duncan (right), business development manager of energy solutions at Appliance Traders Limited (ATL), shares some literature on energy efficiency with State Minister for Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Julian Robinson (left) at the Jamaica Alternative Energy Expo held at the Pegasus on Monday.
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The division will also provide technical consultancy on assessing, designing and implementing scalable energy-saving solutions for businesses and homes.
“We want to demystify the alternative energy space for our customers making it easier for them to determine the best path to reducing their energy consumption,” said Paul Grey, ATL’s energy and engineering manager.
The introduction of the industrial giant’s new division comes after months of extensive research and analysis of global alternative energy providers to identify the best solutions for the Jamaican market according to the division head.
“Record energy prices in Jamaica as well as in the international marketplace have heightened the need for sustainable alternatives. Expanding into the energy business is a natural progression for ATL given our history of providing advanced engineering and industrial solutions for major projects in Jamaica and the Caribbean,” said Grey. “Our mandate with ATL Energy Solutions is to provide our customers with a comprehensive resource centre to assess, design, implement, and service energy-saving technology and equipment that will reduce consumption patterns and ultimately energy receipts.”
ATL already has solid footing in the alternative energy space executing a joint $8.6-million initiative with eco-innovation leaders Panasonic.
The project saw the construction of a prototype eco-villa at Sandals Montego Bay, the first of its kind in Jamaica.
The luxury suites are fully powered by Panasonic’s photovoltaic systems as well utilise all inverter appliances and electronics. Additionally, the company inked an exclusive arrangement with leading Israeli solar technology company Nimrod Industries Limited to distribute its solar water heaters as well as implemented its own Eco-Smart seal to earmark ‘green’ electronics in its product line-up.
“We are at a transformational period in the Jamaican energy sector that requires us to either heavily curb our existing consumption patterns or look to alternative sources of power,” said Grey. “Our strategic partnerships enable us to offer a gamut of solutions across a range of applications for both our commercial and residential customers. From LED light bulbs which can last over 50,000 hours to solar photovoltaic (PV) panels which can last up to 25 years or even inverter appliances which save up to 60 per cent on power bills, we have solutions for the energy-mindful consumer.”
ATL also provides detailed energy audits from which customers can readily evaluate their savings.
Wigton Windfarm Limited’s (WWFL) plans to start expansion this year.
WWFL projects that it will generate additional energy of 63 gigawatt-hours (GWh) per year from an extra capacity of 24 megawatts (MW) by 2015.
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Wigton Phase III is slated to start this year
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That would increase its existing capacity of 38.7 MW by 62 per cent.
Last year, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica said studies indicate that energy from Wigton III can be translated into 72,141 barrels of oil being avoided (saved) annually, as well as 102,248 tonnes of carbon dioxide not being emmitted .
Under the new phase, WWFL intends to focus on developing potential sites at Great Valley by itself or by a third party.
Exploratory work on Wigton IV was also slated to be pursued and will focus on potential sites North or Wigton, according to last year’s estimates.
Electricity produced from wind energy is sold to the Jamaica Public Service under a power-purchase-agreement and is projected to generate revenues of $1.1 billion this fiscal year, or $7 miilion less than the last year.
WWFL also plans to add an additional revenue stream in the form of training to stakeholders. According to the estimates, “this arose from the need to develop more expert engineers locally in light of expansion of the renewable energy industry and the desire to create jobs.”
“The company aims to continue to observe efficiency in its operations and maintain a relatively steady profit margin,” said the estimates of revenue and expenses for 2013/2014. “As such as surplus of $163 million is being projected this year.”
The windfarm is mandated to provide and facilitate increased wind power and other renewable energy usage to generate electricity thereby diversifying Jamaica’s energy mix.
Though the renewable energy target for 2015 is 12.5 per cent, in accordance with the National Energy Policy as part of Vision 2030, WWFL said the government’s energy output will increase to 9.36 per cent during the year that ends next year March, up from seven per cent, according to the estimates of revenue and expenditure for the year ending March 2014.
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Petrojam Limited has sought to shed light on the transfer of $19.7 billion from the agency to the Consolidated
WASHINGTON (CMC)
