Alternative Energy Archives - SolarBuzz Jamaica

Climate Focus: Energy shock from Iran war sparks solar scramble

April 25, 2026 jrobinson

I’ve been ruminating on a comment by the European Union energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen about the Iran war and its impact on energy prices.

“We really do need to get rid of our dependency on gas as fast as possible. So for us, this means speeding up more clean energy,” he told Reuters.

Are countries really ramping up their renewable energy implementation?

India and China have doubled down on green hydrogen at the same time that the West has quietly backed away from its ambitious green hydrogen goals from the start of this decade after cost constraints proved stickier than anticipated.

Plus, investors are betting on renewable energy stocks in China, the dominant maker of solar gear, on expectations that the war will boost global demand for ‌renewables.

Countries in Southeast Asia and Africa rushed to import solar panels from China ahead of expected price increases due to an end to China’s export tax refunds on April 1, with the surge amplified by disruption to energy supplies due to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, analysts said.

The same rush for solar panels can be seen in Europe as demand for rooftop solar systems across the region has surged since the start of the Iran war, as households rush to shield themselves from soaring power prices triggered by the worst global energy disruption in history.

Over in the United States, a federal judge blocked President Donald Trump’s administration from enforcing a series of permitting policies that wind and solar energy industry groups say have stymied the development of new energy generation projects.

But one avid reader pointed out that these are short-term movements following the ‘renewables paradox’ newsletter on March 27, which explored how higher prices help revenue, but higher rates pressure renewables projects.

“The real constraint now is delivery, not viability. Permitting, grid capacity and skills shortages are slowing deployment, even as ⁠the economic case for renewables strengthens,” said Harry Benham, senior adviser at independent financial think tank Carbon Tracker.

So, what now? Governments and climate leaders are gathering in Santa Marta, Colombia, for the first Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels

Delegates will be gathering to discuss the follow-up to the United Nations General Assembly resolution led by Vanuatu on state obligations regarding climate change, turning the International Court of Justice’s July 2025 opinion into actionable, mandatory climate measures.

“Phasing out our fossil fuels, delivering climate justice, and addressing climate harms are legal obligations, not political choices,” said Rebecca Brown, CEO and President of The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL).

“Pushback from some countries – especially on fossil fuel language – only underscores the stakes. States that continue expanding fossil fuels, or ignoring climate harms, are acting unlawfully and risk real legal and political consequences,” said Brown.

“The science is clear. The law is clear. What’s missing is political will. This resolution is the bridge from principle to practice. Governments now face a choice: act in line with the law or be held accountable for failing both people and the planet.”

Reuters

Alternative Energy Electricity LNG Renewable Energy Solar Energy

Ja’s energy outlook 2026

January 18, 2026 jrobinson

As Jamaica enters 2026 our energy sector stands at a defining crossroads. Rising electricity demand, climate imperatives, and shifting global energy markets are converging at a moment when decisions taken today will shape our economic resilience, competitiveness, and energy security for decades to come.

For a country that depends on imported fuels for close to 90 per cent of its energy needs, the global energy landscape is not an abstract concern — it is felt directly in electricity bills, transportation costs, food prices, and the overall cost of living. The challenge therefore is clear: How do we secure reliable, affordable energy today while building a cleaner more sustainable system for tomorrow?

Emerging from a year marked by price volatility, geopolitical shocks, and seismic swings in global market sentiment, Jamaica’s oil and gas sector enters 2026 with cautious optimism, aided by growing confidence in emerging energy-source options and the continued rise in electricity demand.

Internationally, the oil and gas market remains volatile. Geopolitical tensions, supply disruptions, and shifting trade policies continue to inject uncertainty into price forecasts. While analysts expect only modest demand growth in 2026, supply dynamics and geopolitical risks mean that price stability is far from guaranteed.

For Jamaica, this volatility matters. Our energy security is tightly linked to global markets, and we are therefore exposed to shocks beyond our control. As the country’s primary petroleum supplier, Petrojam carries a national responsibility to ensure reliable fuel supply, even in turbulent global conditions. At the same time, we are accelerating efforts to reduce carbon intensity and support the country’s long-term transition to cleaner energy.

ENERGY SOLUTIONS TO WATCH IN 2026

Renewable energy is poised to continue its growth as one of the world’s fast-growing energy sources, and Jamaica is firmly aligned with this trend. Solar and wind already play an important role in our electricity mix and further expansion is expected.

Petrojam is pursuing multiple initiatives to increase the share of renewables in the energy mix aligned to the country’s move towards cleaner, more sustainable energy. Petrojam is also playing an enabling role in facilitating the adoption and blending of low-carbon fuels, and helping to create the necessary infrastructure and regulatory alignment to accelerate this transition to cleaner energy.

While not a renewable, liquefied natural gas (LNG) is emerging as a critical transition fuel for Jamaica. It offers lower emissions than heavy fuel oil and diesel, greater price stability, and strong potential for use across electricity generation, manufacturing, and public transportation.

Petrojam is positioning itself to play a key role in LNG supply and distribution, supporting the shift of power generation and industrial users to cleaner fuels. LNG will be a key bridge between today’s petroleum-based system and tomorrow’s low-carbon energy future.

Advanced biofuels derived from sustainable biomass, agricultural residues, and solid waste are also gaining traction globally. These fuels offer real potential to reduce emissions in hard-to-abate sectors.

Of note is sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which can significantly lower the carbon footprint of air travel. As a major tourism destination and aviation hub, Jamaica stands to benefit strategically from early engagement in SAF development. Renewable diesel and green methanol for marine transport are also emerging opportunities as the shipping sector moves toward decarbonisation.

EMERGING FRONTIERS: NUCLEAR AND HYDROGEN

Globally, there is renewed interest in nuclear energy, particularly as a reliable, carbon-free base load power source for energy-intensive activities such as data centres supporting artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Advances in small modular reactors (SMRs) are making nuclear more accessible to smaller economies.

In Jamaica, nuclear energy remains at the exploratory stage. Petrojam has been invited to be a part of the International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences (ICENS) Working Group, which is examining the potential role of nuclear in a low-carbon energy future, including its application in electricity generation and pink hydrogen production (hydrogen generated from the electrolysis of water using nuclear energy).

Nuclear energy offers low operating costs and high reliability once online, delivering large volumes of carbon-free electricity at stable and predictable prices. By reducing exposure to fuel price volatility it has the potential to support economic development and help level the playing field between high- and low-income countries.

Meaningful consideration of nuclear must be balanced and aligned with safety standards, regulatory readiness, waste management, and public acceptance. The objective at this stage is knowledge preparedness and informed national dialogue.

ENERGY SUBSTITUTION: A GRADUAL REALITY

While the global conversation often suggests rapid substitution away from fossil fuels, the reality for small, developing economies is more complex. Infrastructure constraints, financing requirements, and the need for system reliability mean that energy transition must be carefully managed.

For Jamaica, the path forward is not abrupt replacement but strategic diversification — layering renewables, LNG, and emerging fuels alongside existing petroleum supply to ensure reliability, affordability, and resilience.

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance is no longer optional; it is increasingly a prerequisite for attracting capital, maintaining regulatory credibility, and building public trust.

In 2026 Petrojam will be further strengthening its ESG framework, with particular focus on reducing our carbon footprint, enhancing transparency, and improving governance systems. As Jamaica explores offshore oil potential, a strong ESG foundation will be essential to guide responsible development, environmental protection, and stakeholder confidence.

JAMAICA’S REGIONAL ROLE

Beyond domestic supply, Petrojam continues to support regional energy resilience through trade. By refining and supplying high-quality fuels to Caricom member states, we contribute to economic stability and regional integration. 2026 presents an opportunity to further define Jamaica’s role as a regional energy hub- leveraging our infrastructure, logistics capability, and strategic location to support neighbouring economies.

Jamaica’s energy future will be determined not only by technology choices, but by the value we deliver, the depth of our sustainability efforts, and the speed at which we adapt. The energy transition is not just an environmental imperative — it is an economic strategy, a competitiveness issue, and a national resilience priority.

Petrojam stands at the centre of this transition, repositioning to become Jamaica’s multi-energy innovator supporting renewables, advancing LNG, enabling biofuels and SAF, and preparing for emerging technologies. By acting early, building digital and operational resilience, forging strategic alliances, and staying ahead of global energy trends, Jamaica can secure a future that is cleaner, more affordable, and more resilient.

The decisions we take in 2026 will shape our energy security for a generation. If we get them right, Jamaica will not only meet its energy needs but will lead in building a modern, sustainable energy system for the Caribbean.

Jamaica Observer

Alternative Energy News Solar Energy solar panels

Solar panels in space ‘could provide 80% of Europe’s renewable energy by 2050’

September 1, 2025 jrobinson

Researchers also suggest system could resolve problems with irregular and weather-dependent Earth-based supply.

Solar panels in space could cut Europe’s terrestrial renewable energy needs by 80% by 2050, a study has found.

Using a detailed computer model of the continent’s future power grid, the researchers found that a system of space-based panels designed by Nasa could reduce the cost of the whole European power system by as much as 15%. It could also cut battery use by more than two-thirds.

The study, led by researchers at King’s College London, is the first to assess the possible impact of space solar energy on Europe. The space-based solar power (SBSP) panels that yielded the positive results uses a heliostat design. The design, which the system imitates, uses mirror-like reflectors to collect sunlight in orbit. The sunlight is then transmitted to stations on Earth and converted to electricity before it is delivered to an energy grid.

The computer model of the continent’s power grid spans 33 countries, and simulates electricity demand, generation and storage to identify the lowest-cost option to meet Europe’s electricity needs.

When the researchers integrated the SBSP concept into the model based on Nasa’s predictions of its potential energy capacity, results showed that it could replace as much as 80% of Europe’s land-based renewable energy.

Land-based renewable energy is irregular and weather-dependent, complicating reliable supply, and comes at varying costs, the researchers point out. SBSPs could be an alternative centralised energy resource that operates above the atmosphere with continuous gigawatt-scale power.

The authors note that the modelling does not account for potential impacts from space-specific challenges such as orbital congestion, transmission interruptions or beaming variability, which could influence SBSP reliability and operational performance.

Nor could the potential cost-effectiveness of SBSP be realised until 2050 because building, launching and maintaining it would be too expensive unless technological growth reduces its costs.

Dr Wei He, a senior lecturer at KCL’s engineering department and lead author of the study, which is published in Joule, said: “There are some risks to consider, such as how the satellite in space could have too many solar panels. Could it cause collisions or be damaged by debris in space?”

Despite those risks, Wei believes the research shows that SBSP has the potential to help countries in achieving net zero. “Renewable energy to replace fossil fuels is the most important action we are taking as humans. Space-based solar power is a potential technology and can provide continuous solar power as a renewable energy source,” he said.

Japan is already developing SBSP and integrating it into its space and net-zero strategy, Wei said.

Europe could follow suit, the paper suggests, mentioning the continent’s longstanding tradition of multinational cooperation of cross-border electricity exchange and satellite ventures under the European Space Agency.

The authors believe Europe could leverage its multinational cooperation to develop and operate a centralised SBSP infrastructure. In doing so, it could create a continent-scale solution to provide stable, baseload-scale renewable supply, reducing the continent’s reliance on gas-fired power.

“Now is the time,” Wei said.

The Guardian

Alternative Energy Government News Solar Energy sustainable development

Solar panels to be fitted on all new-build homes in England by 2027

May 16, 2025 jrobinson

Government to press ahead with net zero plans as Keir Starmer rejects Tony Blair’s criticisms of climate policy

Almost all new homes in England will be fitted with solar panels during construction within two years, the government will announce after Keir Starmer rejected Tony Blair’s criticism of net zero policies.

Housebuilders will be legally required to install solar panels on the roofs of new properties by 2027 under the plans.

The policy is estimated to add between £3,000 and £4,000 to building a home but homeowners would save more than £1,000 on their annual energy bills, according to the Times.

Labour has set a target of building 1.5m homes by the end of the parliament. The party has promised to decarbonise the electricity grid by 2030 and cut household energy bills by £300 a year.

Ministers are also preparing to offer government-funded loans and grants for the installation of solar panels on existing homes.

The move is a sign that the government will press ahead with its net zero agenda after Starmer rejected criticisms of climate policy from Blair.

In a high-profile intervention days before the local elections, Blair said there needed to be a radical reset of “irrational” net zero policies that were “doomed to fail”.

Blair’s net zero intervention invites scrutiny of his institute’s donors

The former Labour prime minister argued that the public was being asked to make “financial sacrifices and changes in lifestyle” that would have “minimal” effect on global emissions. He said the drive to phase out fossil fuels in the short term was “doomed to fail” because their production and demand were rising.

His remarks angered government figures and triggered a response from senior No 10 officials, who called the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) and urged it to address the fallout. The TBI issued a clarifying statement on Wednesday morning saying it believed the government’s net zero policy was “the right one”.

Blair’s remarks were interpreted as an attack on Starmer’s policy agenda after the prime minister said last week that tackling the climate crisis and bolstering energy security were “in the DNA of my government”.

Unite, the UK’s second biggest union, has echoed Blair’s criticism of climate policies. Its general secretary, Sharon Graham, said workers should not be thrown “on the scrapheap” in the pursuit of net zero.

Speaking to Times Radio on Thursday, Graham pointed to the developments at Grangemouth oil refinery and said: “The problem is that the jobs part of this is not being discussed.” The refinery stopped processing crude oil this week.

Asked whether she agreed with Blair’s comments this week, Graham said: “Workers want net zero, my members have no problem with net zero. The problem that we’ve got is that there is no investment currently about how we get to that and also secure jobs.

“There hasn’t been one single thing done so far that I can see in terms of investments on wind manufacture, in terms of investments into areas like sustainable air fuel … all of those things have not happened, and you cannot just plough on regardless and throw all of these workers on the scrapheap.”

Campaigners have welcomed the news that the government is going to mandate solar panels on new homes.

Lily-Rose Ellis, Greenpeace UK’s climate campaigner, said: “For too long we’ve wasted the free energy that falls on the roofs of houses every single day. Now, people living in new-build homes will save hundreds of pounds every year on their energy bills, thanks to this commonsense decision from the government.”

A government spokesperson said: “We have always been clear that we want solar panels on as many new homes as possible because they are a vital technology to help cut bills for families, boost our national energy security and help deliver net zero.

“Through the Future Homes Standard we plan to maximise the installation of solar panels on new homes as part of our ambition to ensure all new homes are energy efficient, and will set out final plans in due course.”

The Guardian

Alternative Energy Electric Vehicles Energy Saving News Solar Energy

Clean energy powered 40% of global electricity in 2024, report finds

April 10, 2025 jrobinson

Thinktank says solar has been fastest-growing energy source for last 20 years, but remains dwarfed by hydro power

The world used clean power sources to meet more than 40% of its electricity demand last year for the first time since the 1940s, figures show.

A report by the energy thinktank Ember said the milestone was powered by a boom in solar power capacity, which has doubled in the last three years.

The report found that solar farms had been the world’s fastest-growing source of energy for the last 20 consecutive years.

Phil MacDonald, Ember’s managing director, said: “Solar power has become the engine of the global energy transition. Paired with battery storage, solar is set to be an unstoppable force. As the fastest-growing and largest source of new electricity, it is critical in meeting the world’s ever-increasing demand for electricity.”

Overall, solar power remains a relatively small part of the global energy system. It made up almost 7% of the world’s electricity last year, according to Ember, while wind power made up just over 8% of the global power system.

The fast-growing technologies remain dwarfed by hydro power, which has remained relatively steady in recent years, and made up 14% of the world’s electricity in 2024.

Hydro power is one of the modern world’s oldest renewable energy technologies, and made up a large proportion of global electricity in the 1940s – when the power system was about 50 times smaller than it is today.

The continuing growth of solar means clean power – including nuclear and bioenergy – is on track to expand faster than the world’s overall electricity demand, according to Ember. This should mean fossil fuels beginning to be squeezed out of the global power system.

Ember had previously predicted that 2023 would be the year in which emissions from electricity reached a peak, after a plateau in the first half of the year.

Climate experts hoped then that emissions would begin to fall, but a series of heatwaves across the globe ignited a surge in demand for electricity to power air conditioning and refrigeration systems, which caused fuel electricity to grow by 1.4% that year.

The report, which accounted for 93% of the global electricity market across 88 countries, found that the surge in demand pushed emissions from the global power sector up by 1.6% to an all-time high last year.

MacDonald said heatwaves were unlikely to ignite a similar demand surge in the year ahead – but the increasing use of electricity to power artificial intelligence, datacentres, electric vehicles and heat pumps was expected to play a bigger role in the world’s appetite for electricity.

Combined, these technologies accounted for a 0.7% increase in global electricity demand in 2024, double what they contributed five years ago, the report found.

“The world is watching how technologies like AI and EVs will drive electricity demand,” MacDonald said. “It’s clear that booming solar and wind are comfortably set to deliver, and those expecting fossil fuel generation to keep rising will be disappointed.”

The Guardian

Alternative Energy Government News Solar Energy Tax Credit

Gov’t simplifies process for accessing solar tax credit

March 26, 2025 jrobinson

The Government is waiving the requirement for homeowners to get the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport’s support in obtaining the income tax credit for residential solar photovoltaic system installations.

The ministry says the decision makes way for homeowners who have invested in solar energy to seamlessly access their tax benefits, “reinforcing the government’s commitment to achieving 50 per cent renewable energy generation goals by 2030”.

Under the programme persons can access an income tax credit at the rate of 30 per cent of the acquisition and installation cost of a solar photovoltaic system for the taxpayer’s primary residence to a maximum cost of $4 million.

“We recognise the efforts of Jamaicans who have taken the initiative to invest in solar energy. This waiver will streamline the process for these individuals and facilitate the timely disbursement of their entitled tax credits,” said Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Daryl Vaz, in a media release on Wednesday.

In the meantime, the ministry maintains that, starting April 1, 2025, a net billing licence will be a prerequisite for those seeking future incentives in accordance with The Electricity Act 2015 and The Electricity (Net Billing Regulations), 2022.

Only completely off-grid self-generators who are not connected to the Jamaica Public Service grid are exempt from licensing.

The Gleaner

Alternative Energy Government News Solar Energy

UK to invest $260 million on solar panels for schools and hospitals

March 21, 2025 jrobinson

LONDON, March 21 (Reuters) – GB Energy will lead a 200 million pound ($260 million) solar panel project for hospitals and schools, Britain said on Friday, in the first investment for the state-owned company since it was set up last year with the aim of lowering energy bills.

A key part of the Labour government’s plan to improve public services in Britain and help revive the economy, GB Energy was established in October to drive investment in renewables.

The 200-million-pound deal could help dampen speculation around GB Energy’s funding ahead of a budget update speech from finance minister Rachel Reeves next Wednesday, when she is expected to announce cuts to public spending plans.

GB Energy will pay for solar panels on the roofs of schools and hospitals, in this first major project, with the first installations expected to be made this summer, the government said.

A jump in energy bills since the Ukraine war has heaped extra pressure on already strained health and education budgets, but the new solar panels and related renewable schemes will help cut those costs, the statement said.

“Great British Energy’s first major project will be to help our vital public institutions save hundreds of millions on bills to reinvest on the frontline,” energy minister Ed Miliband said.

“This is our clean energy superpower mission in action, with lower bills and energy security for our country.”

GB Energy will make this investment alongside the government as the parliamentary process to finalise its creation is not expected to complete until next month.

Of the total investment, about 80 million pounds has been earmarked for schools in England, while 100 million pounds will go on hospitals. GB Energy will also work with devolved governments on solar projects for their schools and hospitals.

Reuters

Alternative Energy Government News Renewable Energy Solar Energy

Cuba on track to install 50 solar parks this year, ministry says

March 21, 2025 jrobinson

HAVANA, March 20 (Reuters) – Cuba is making progress on a China-backed plan to install more than 50 solar parks this year capable of churning out more than 1,000 megawatts, the Energy Ministry said late on Wednesday, just days after the country’s antiquated grid collapsed and left millions in the dark.

In the most detailed report yet on the plan’s progress, energy officials said two solar parks had come online in February – one in Havana and one in Cienfuegos – and that by the end of March, workers would complete six more.

By the end of March, eight of the planned 50 solar parks will be operating, producing 170 megawatts, said Ovel Concepción Díaz, a top renewable energy official with the Energy Ministry.

The broader plan to expand renewable energy generation, announced in 2014, has gained momentum in recent months as the government looks to revive its ailing economy and alleviate tensions among island residents exhausted by months of rolling blackouts.

The goal by 2030 is to generate 24% of total electricity production using renewable sources, up from around 4% currently. That goal includes building 92 solar parks, the government has said, in addition to battery storage facilities, hydro- and wind-generation projects.

“That goal will be achieved before 2030 and the percentage (of renewable generation) may be a little higher,” said Rosell Guerra Campaña, Cuba’s director of renewable energy.

China and Russia have moved to help Cuba out of an energy crisis that has reached a tipping point after the country’s electric grid collapsed four times since October.

Russia has previously committed to helping Cuba modernize three of its oil-fired power plants, along with building a 200-MW plant to bolster the grid.

Cuba and China struck a deal last year in which Beijing agreed to help the island’s Communist-run government boost solar production. Neither country has elaborated on financing details.

China recently said it was donating materials and expertise to build 22 more solar parks across Cuba capable of generating 120 MW, starting this year.

Cuba blames its energy crisis on a Cold War-era U.S. trade embargo and fresh restrictions from U.S. President Donald Trump, who tightened sanctions on the nation and vowed to restore a “tough” policy toward the longtime U.S. foe.

Reuters

Alternative Energy Energy Saving News Solar Energy

Solar exceeds 10% of U.S. electricity generation capacity

March 21, 2025 jrobinson

Solar dominates project queues through 2028, said data from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

Solar now represents 10.53% of total available installed generating capacity in the United States, according to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

Solar capacity is approaching that of its renewable energy counterpart in wind, which is now 11.77% of available capacity, and is expected to surpass it in the coming years. Hydrocarbon based power remains dominant on U.S. grids, with nearly 43% of capacity attributed to natural gas and 15% to coal. Hydropower contributes 7.6% of U.S. capacity, said FERC.

Despite natural gas dominance in existing power, solar energy leads the way for the present and future of installations. In January 2025, 2,950 MW was installed, compared to 60 MW of natural gas.

Looking ahead FERC tracks 89 GW of high-probability capacity additions from solar through January 2028, compared with 16 GW for natural gas. What’s more, FERC expects nearly 16 GW of natural gas retirements over the same period. Notably, nearly 25 GW of coal is also expected to be retired through January 2028, highlighting the shift toward emissions-free sources of power.

pv Magazine

Alternative Energy Electricity Government News Renewable Energy

‘Disingenuous and misleading’

March 21, 2025 jrobinson

Vaz rubbishes Opposition’s criticisms of Government’s energy policy

MINISTER with responsibility for energy Daryl Vaz has defended the Administration’s handling of the energy sector in the wake of claims by the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) that the Government is to be blamed for the high electricity prices Jamaicans now face.

Making his presentation to the 2025/26 Budget Debate last week, Opposition spokesman on finance Julian Robinson slammed the Government over its energy policy as he pointed out that the cost of electricity in Jamaica is more than US$0.40 per kilowatt hour (kWh), while it was as low as US$0.22/kWh during the last PNP Administration.

That theme was continued by Opposition Leader Mark Golding during his presentation to the budget debate on Tuesday as he charged that the Andrew Holness Administration had dropped the ball as it failed to issue regular request for proposals (RFPs) for additional renewable energy for years which could have resulted in lower electricity prices for Jamaicans.

But during a mid-morning media briefing on Tuesday Vaz scoffed at the PNP’s claim that the high cost of electricity was due to Government’s inability to develop a sustainable renewable energy framework.

Vaz listed a multiplicity of factors he said caused the delay, rejected the narrative that little progress has been made in the renewable energy sector, and described the Opposition’s claims as “disingenuous and misleading”.

According to Vaz, measurable achievements and strategic investments in renewables underscore the Government’s commitment to achieving an evidence-based, sustainable, and affordable resilient energy future for Jamaica.

“Data clearly refutes claims of inaction and demonstrates a consistent, structured approach to energy diversification and transformation. The increase in electricity prices between 2016 and 2024 was not due to a lack of renewable energy deployment but rather global scenarios linked to fossil fuel volatility, inflation, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical issues.

“The Government’s renewable energy expansion remains on track, ensuring long-term energy affordability and security for Jamaica. More renewables are coming but at the right time and in the right way as we continue to lower the cost for all our citizens. Together we are building a cleaner and more secure energy future for Jamaica,” Vaz said.

He argued that detractors are spreading propaganda because the island is now in the “silly season” with a general election near.

“This is something that is ongoing and it is not specific to my ministry or to energy but there is just a lot of misconceptions, misleading, and disingenuous information. What I can say specifically is that I encourage all well-thinking Jamaicans to get the facts and most importantly judge the policies and performance of those who are putting themselves forward in the upcoming election,” Vaz said.

“We are not perfect, but definitively we have a lot of runs on the board and our job will be to make sure and put those out in the public domain so people can examine and make informed decisions,” added Vaz.

The energy minister said significant progress has been made in expanding the energy portfolio, guided by a robust policy framework and strategic investments.

He said several factors, including surging fossil fuel prices, the Russia-Ukraine war, and global supply chain disruptions have contributed to the high price for electricity.

Vaz argued that while renewable energy technology costs have declined over time, the transition from fossil fuels must be a planned, orderly and well-timed process.

Jamaica Observer

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