Gov't signs loan agreement for energy management programme

The Government has signed a US$15-million loan agreement with the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) for the implementation of the Energy Management and Efficiency Programme (EMEP).

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Audley Shaw says that the sum is the second portion of a joint loan of US$30 million for the roll-out of the EMEP.

He says the Government signed an agreement with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the first US$15 million on November 10.

Shaw also says the European Union (EU) is providing US$10 million in grant funding towards the programme, which will be executed over eight years.

According to the Finance Minister, the programme aims to bolster the Government’s efforts in the areas of energy efficiency and conservation through the design and implementation of measures targeting key Government facilities, as well as fuel conservation in road transportation to reduce the demand for fuel imports.

He was speaking at the signing ceremony held on Thursday at the Ministry’s National Heroes Circle offices in Kingston.

EMEP, which is being executed by the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) consists of three components.

Component one involves retrofitting the Health, Education and Public Agency (HEPA) government facilities. Energy efficiency and conservation measures will be undertaken in 73 HEPAs, including comprehensive retrofitting and installing light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs.

Under component two, an Urban Traffic Management System (UTMS) will be implemented in Kingston. This involves installation of a central control platform for traffic monitoring, closed-circuit television cameras, and the training of National Works Agency (NWA) staff.

Component three will focus on providing the Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology (MSET) with additional expertise.

Training will also be undertaken to support the implementation of an Integrated Resource Plan  to guide the development of a modern energy sector in Jamaica; technical experts will be contracted in energy efficiency and demand side management; and technical studies undertaken to support the plan.