V O L . D A T E :
4 ,
N O . 1
D E C E M B E R
2 0 1 1
GREEN TEAM NEWSLETTER EDITORIAL
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
EDITORIAL
1
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
2
DEVELOPMENTS IN JAMAICA CARICOM ENERGY WEEK —
5
FULL OF ACTIVITIES ENERGY CONSERVATION
8
AND EFFICIENCY: A SUSTAINABLE RESPONSE TO RISING OIL PRICES
THE PIOJ’S WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM
10
This issue, like some of the earlier ones, focuses on energy conservation and efficiency. This is because the topic is such an important one for the country. The issue of energy conservation and efficiency is one side of the energy coin. The other side is finding a solution to the energy dilemma. Jamaica, in order to achieve sustainable development and resolve its economic crisis, needs to find alternative energy sources. The search has been on for some time and urgently needs to be accelerated. The lead article “Alternative Energy Developments in Jamaica” is intended to bring us up to date with the various sources of energy, their feasibility, savings realized and future prospects. “Energy Conservation and Efficiency: A Sustainable Response to Rising Oil Prices” provides much information on the National Energy Policy 2009–2030 and its goals. This article points out that “Energy Conservation and efficient practices are the only short-term solutions Jamaica has in reducing energy consumption”. The report on CARICOM Energy Week, November 6–12, highlights the events of that week. This article reflects the momentum and urgency which Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean have come to attach to energy conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy resources. You would have all noticed that the PIOJ is relentless in its efforts at cost cutting and resource management. Facilities Manager, Mrs. Ramona McConnel seeks every opportunity to innovate and cut costs. Her latest project is the transition from bottled water to bottle-less coolers, and from all accounts, this venture has been successful. Many thanks to our guest writers from the Ministry of Energy and Mining. Pleasant reading!
1
PAGE 2
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY DEVELOPMENTS IN JAMAICA Mrs. Yvonne Barrett-Edwards Director, Energy Economics and Planning, Energy Division, Ministry of Energy and Mining Alternative energy refers to energy sources such will see renewables representing 20.0 per cent of as solar, wind, or nuclear energy that can replace the country’s energy mix by 2030. or supplement traditional fossil-fuel sources (coal, oil, and natural gas). Jamaica has been pursuing several alternative energy options, in particular, the expanded use of renewable energy to improve energy security and diversify the fuel mix. For Jamaica, there is heavy concentration on renewable energy development because the country is rich with natural resources that can be described as “replenishable” and “clean”. Replenishable means that the source of energy is not finite while “clean” means that it has few or zero carbon emissions and produces few toxic byproducts (it will not pollute the environment as it is being used). The terms alternative energy and renewable energy are often used interchangeably, however, while all renewable sources are alternatives, not all alternative sources are renewable. Renewable sources are good alternatives because they can be future replacements to offset the fossil fuels that now meet a considerable portion of our energy needs. Wigton Wind Farm in Manchester
Jamaica currently consumes about 60 000 barrels of oil per day to meet its diverse needs. The country’s energy mix remains dependent on the use of imported fossil/petroleum fuels, which accounts for 91.0 per cent of the energy mix, while renewable resources account for 9.0 per cent. Jamaica’s renewable resources are mainly wind, hydro, fuelwood, bagasse, solar and ethanol (used in the transportation sector). The National Energy Policy 2009–2030 supports the development and expansion of renewable energy resources by establishing a set of targets for renewable energy that
GREEN
Wind farms are places where many wind turbines are clustered together. They are built in places where it is nearly always windy. The first wind farm in Jamaica and in the region was commissioned in April 2004 near Wigton in the parish of Manchester. The location, which is known as the Wigton Wind Farm, has the highest medium wind speed compared with several other sites, such as the Palisadoes Strip (near Norman Manley Airport); Green Castle (west of Annoto Bay); Spur Tree (on Manchester Plateau) and Blenhiem (on Manchester Plateau), that were surveyed.
TEAM NEWSLETTER
2
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY DEVELOPMENTS IN JAMAICA cont’d The Wigton Wind Farm, which is owned and operated by Wigton Wind Farm Limited, an agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mining (MEM), through the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ), up to 2010 had an installed capacity of 20.7 megawatts (MW). It has since been expanded to a capacity of 38.7 MW of electricity, representing 4.0 per cent of the total electricity mix. The expanded wind farm is slated to generate 115 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity each year. In total, the wind farm is expected to offset 60 000 barrels of oil per year and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 85 000 tones. Government has stepped up its efforts to boost renewable energy deployment through the commissioning of a Wind Mapping study. This study is being undertaken by the Wigton Wind Farm.
Installed Hydropower Capacity in Jamaica Location Upper White River Roaring River Rio Bueno A Lower White River Maggoty Falls Rams Horn Constant Spring Rio Bueno Total
Year of Commission 1945
Capacity (MW) 3.8
1949 1949 1952
3.8 2.5 4.9
1966 1988
6.3 0.6
1989
0.8
1989
1.1 24.8
There are several rivers in Jamaica that are well suited for the exploitation of hydropower. The PCJ has updated hydropower studies for Laughlands, Great River and Back Rio Grande over the past two years (2008–2010) to indicate the energy and investment potential. The locations have capacity potentials ranging from 1 MW to 8 MW. The goal of PCJ’s hydropower development initiHydro hydroGenerating electricity from run-of-the-river plants ative is to stimulate productive uses of has been a common operation in Jamaica for over electric power for poverty alleviation, environ100 years. Currently, there are eight plants in op- mental sustainability and economic growth. eration which are all owned and operated by the Jamaica Public Service Company. These plants, Biofuels and Biomass Developments which have a combined capacity of 23 MW, cur- Extracting usable energy from biological material rently account for 3.0 per cent of the total elec- — things that grow — has been practised ever since the first wood fire. Considering the abuntricity supplied to the electricity grid and 58.0 per dance of biological materials from a variety of cent of the total renewable energy contribution to sources, and the synergies with agricultural proJPSCo’s total net electricity generation. Most of duction, there are tremendous opportunities for the hydropower systems are fairly old with the Jamaica in the realm of biofuels (combustion most recent ones being in place for more than 20 fuels from biological sources) and biomass (large quantities of organic material containing convertiyears. ble energy). Wind mapping will determine the wind blowing patterns across the island. It will also identify the best points for establishing wind farms. The study is critical to the government’s strategy of increasing its available stock of alternative energy sources, which will assist in reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuel.
GREEN
TEAM NEWSLETTER
3
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY DEVELOPMENTS IN JAMAICA cont’d The production of energy from sugar has the potential to bolster the industry by providing an additional revenue stream. Sugar factories already produce power from biomass. For six months in the year, during the cane crushing season, over 90.0 per cent of the energy needs of sugar factories are provided by combustion of bagasse, the fibrous waste material left after cane juice is extracted from the harvested plant. If the sugar factories were made more efficient and their processes upgraded to allow them to produce energy year -round, there is potential to add 86 MW of power capacity to the Jamaican electricity grid — about 10.0 per cent of our current installed total.
is conducting research into the viability of two biodiesel crops, castor beans and jatropha. These crops contain high amounts of oil that, when extracted and processed, can be used in diesel engines. The current research is entering year two of a five-year pilot project that will determine the agronomic parameters under which biodiesel can be produced. They are looking at various elements such as irrigation requirements, pesticides and fertilisers.
Biogas Under the right conditions, animal waste can be digested using special microbes that produce the gas methane, a flammable substance similar to the contents of a cylinder of cooking gas. The subIn December 2012, the MEM, in partnership with stance can be used for cooking or to run simple the European Union, will conclude a project that generators and has found worldwide applications seeks to outline the engineering and financial con- in rural communities. siderations that factories would need to address in order to supply electricity to the grid. This in- Jamaica has had biogas programmes in the past, cludes efficiency improvements, equipment up- significantly during the 80s, with funding from grades, sources of additional biomass and finan- OLADE. Farmers were encouraged (by way of a cial modelling. revolving loan fund and technical assistance) to build biogas digesters. While the programme did Ethanol not blossom due in part to economic conditions With the E10 mandate, there exists a captive mar- that hurt farming overall, the Scientific Research ket for biofuels in Jamaica — 70 million litres are Council still conducts research and holds patents required annually as a fuel additive. Currently, on biogas technology. this is supplied using imported ethanol, but a study by Winrock International, supported by the Waste-to-Energy Organization of American States, showed that this While not strictly biomass, municipal waste condemand can be met sustainably from Jamaican tains biomass that can be used to produce biogas feedstock. or thermal power in the same manner as animal waste or bagasse. The PCJ is currently partnering Biodiesel with external developers for the development of At Bodles Research Station in Old Harbour, St. 65 MW of waste-to-energy power. This will be Catherine, the Ministry of Agriculture in partner- based in the Riverton and Retirement dumps and ship with the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica, GREEN
TEAM NEWSLETTER
4
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY DEVELOPMENTS IN JAMAICA cont’d
will provide a waste management solution while pre-feasibility studies and solar resource mapalso providing electricity. ping. Through the MEM’s Low Carbon Energy Road Map project, CERE is partnering with international resource mapping experts to produce Solar Power Jamaica is a sunny country, and thus the an accurate, bankable map of solar potential in possibility of renewable solar power is a compel- the island. ling concept. Solar technology has already been proven to be economical for water heating Conclusion applications. However, for providing electricity, Energy from renewable sources is a critical solar technology is still more expensive than element for achieving sustainable development hydroelectric, biomass or wind power solutions. and is expected to contribute significantly to JaNevertheless, Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica/ maica being “the place of choice to live, work, Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy raise families and do business”. Therefore, the (PCJ/CERE) is conducting solar site assessments. government will seek to create the economic, The first proposed site is in Portmore, where infrastructural and planning conditions conducive PCJ/CERE is contemplating a 1 MW facility. For to the sustainable development of all of Jamainow, investigations are concentrated on ca’s renewable energy resources.
CARICOM Energy Week - Full of Activities by Taniquea Callam, Ministry of Energy & Mining The inaugural staging of CARICOM Energy Week (CEW) was celebrated in all CARICOM member states during the week of November 6– 12, 2011.
private and public sector individuals, students and other stakeholders in order for them to become better stewards in the utilization of various forms of energy.
Spearheaded by the Ministry of Energy and Mining, with support from the UNDP and several stakeholders, Jamaica’s theme for the celebration was “Energy Security for a Sustainable Future”.
In a splendid affair that was attended by energy sector stakeholders and members of the Diplomatic Corps, and with a well-received entertainment item by the Half Way Tree Primary School, the CEW activities were launched in the courtyard of the Petroleum Corporation of JaThe aim of the CEW was to increase the aware- maica (PCJ) building on November 3, 2011. ness of the citizens of Jamaica, targeting policy makers, investors, energy and electricity users, GREEN
TEAM NEWSLETTER
5
CARICOM Energy Week - Full of Activities cont’d
Academic participation was a main feature of the week of activities, with the staff from the Ministry of Energy and Mining and its agencies, engaging students from several primary and high schools in lunch time presentations which focused on the importance of energy conservation, efficiency and renewable energy.
There was also a public lecture on the first day of the expo in honour of the late Dr. Raymond Wright, former head of the PCJ. CARICOM Energy Week culminated with an entertainment package at the University of the West Indies on Friday, November 11, 2011.
Students from several schools across the island were taken on tours to the Wigton Wind Farm in Manchester, PCJ building in Kingston and the Maggoty Hydro-electric plant in St. Elizabeth. Presentations on production of refined products from crude oil and electricity generation were made and students were able to tour the facilities and take part in activities. Students were also taught the concepts and use of various forms of renewable energy. Jamaica’s three main tertiary institutions played a major role in staging a number of activities under the CEW umbrella. The Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, held an energy forum under the theme “Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future” and a library exhibition.
Students viewing PIOJ’s booth at the UWI during CARICOM ENERGY WEEK in November, 2011
The University of Technology (UTech) commemorated this year’s CARICOM Energy Week by hosting two main events — an outside Radio Broadcast and a Public Panel Discussion on Energy. The outside radio broadcast was on November 8, 2011 and the panel discussion was held on November 10, 2011 under the theme “Jamaica’s Energy Future”. For their part, the University of the West Indies hosted a two-day expo which showcased many initiatives and innovations that various companies and individuals have been undertaking in the area or renewable energy and energy efficiency. Various schools from across the island participated in the expo and the information was well received by all. GREEN
Ms. Yvonne Smith, Marketing Officer, in charge of the PIOJ’s booth at the two-day expo held at UWI
TEAM NEWSLETTER
6
Energy Conservation and Efficiency: A Sustainable Response to Rising Oil Prices
Jamaica’s energy situation is a dire one in that repercussions of which are smaller profit marthe majority of its utilities and transportation gins. needs are met by imported oil. With an oil import dependency of over 90.0 per cent, the country is vulnerable to the effects of an unstable international oil market. There has been much fluctuation in oil prices over the years, a result of geopolitical tensions within regions of extraction, diminishing resources and growing demand. Between February 2009 and October 2011 crude oil prices have increased by 121.0 per cent, as prices averaged US$86.32/barrel in October. This trend signifies a worrying sign, as prices are once again heading in the upward direction. Market analysts have implied that with growing speculation, conflicts in Libya and Egypt, constraints in product availability, growing demands by emerging markets in parts of Asia and South America along with other market volatilities, this could result in crude prices exceeding US$150/barrel by summer 2012. High Prices, Energy-Economics and the Environment These figures do not augur well for Jamaica especially when coupled with the fact that per capita energy consumption in Jamaica is one of the highest among developing countries. Consequently, the cost of energy has adversely impacted Jamaica’s ability to realize desirable levels of economic growth particularly in the manufacturing sector. The high cost of fuel has resulted in many industries having high operating costs; the •
GREEN
Share of energy consumption
Energy consumption is heavily concentrated in three areas: electricity generation, transportation and bauxite mining. The share of energy consumption in these three areas represents 33.0 per cent, 46.0 per cent and 14.0 per cent, respectively of the total energy consumption in Jamaica. The private sector has the lion’s share of contribution and will be engaged and encouraged to participate in the national drive towards energy conservation and efficiency efforts. The Government of Jamaica is no exception in that it too faces increased costs in utilities and transportation. A recent analysis carried out by the Ministry of Energy and Mining examined the government’s electricity accounts and found that although there was a 4.2 per cent reduction in electricity consumption in 2010, the cost of electricity in 2010 increased by 18.0 per cent when compared with 2009. This increase amounted to a cost difference of J$1.7 billion for the period being compared.
TEAM NEWSLETTER
7
Energy Conservation and Efficiency cont’d
achieve the vision of the energy sector. These Another serious issue that we have always faced goals are as follows: and have now come to acknowledge as a critical factor, is that of environmental impact. The use Goals – National Energy Policy Priority Areas of oil as fuel has detrimental consequences for the environment. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a ma- Goal Jamaicans use energy wisely and Conservation 1 aggressively and Efficiency jor greenhouse gas that is released into the atmosphere when oil is burnt. •
The National Energy Policy: Driving Greater Levels of Conservation and Efficiency
The Government of Jamaica is taking a targeted approach to reducing energy consumption and improving energy efficiency, particularly in areas that are energy intensive. In this regard, greater emphasis will be placed on public awareness, the provision of financing and provision of developing an appropriate institutional framework. The National Energy Policy 2009–2030 has as one of its seven priority areas energy conservation and efficiency. Aligned to priority areas are seven interrelated goals which when accomplished, will
GREEN
Goal 2
Jamaica has a modernized and expanded energy infrastructure
Energy Infrastructure
Goal 3
Jamaica realizes its energy resource potential through the development of renewable energy sources
Renewable Energy Sources
Goal 4
Jamaica’s energy supply is secure and sufficient
Energy Security
Goal 5
Jamaica has a well-defined and established governance, institutional, legal and regulatory framework
Governance and Regulatory Framework
Goal 6
Government ministries and agencies are a model/leader in energy conservation
Government is a Leader in Energy Conservation
Goal 7
Jamaica’s industry structures embrace eco-efficiency
Eco-Efficiency In Industry
To achieve the goals set out in the policy, a mix of short to medium-term as well as long-term strategic directions and actions for the government, private sector and industry, and civil society must be pursued. The government intends to lead by example by ensuring that the public sector implements ECE (energy conservation and efficiency) as a matter of urgency in all the various areas.
TEAM NEWSLETTER
8
Energy Conservation and Efficiency cont’d In addition, the National Energy Policy outlines several key strategies to be pursued by the Government of Jamaica in the area of energy conservation and efficiency. Some of these strategies are to: • provide incentives/disincentives in order to encourage the development and use of innovative technologies to improve energy efficiencies • create relevant legislation to support required investments in efficiency • promote energy efficiency in the transport sector by: ∗ promoting imports of more fuel efficient vehicles ∗ providing adequate infrastructure for transition to alternative energy vehicles ∗ improving infrastructure and enforcement of maximum axel weight standards ∗ increasing mass transit opportunities and utilization • facilitate the introduction of energy-saving devices e.g. LED (light-emitting diode), solar panels, solar street lighting • employ energy-saving approaches in building design and construction • promote energy conservation in the public sector, particularly in the water supply systems • develop and implement effective education and training programmes on energy conservation at all levels of the education system. • undertake studies and conduct consultations with stakeholders on taxation levels for petroleum fuels (such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, GREEN
natural gas) with a view to instituting a system designed to enhance efficiency and conservation • develop and implement a relevant and sustained public energy information programme and information database • update, apply and enforce the Energy Efficiency Building Codes to support efficient use of energy in buildings • develop an energy information clearing house • provide incentives for the installation of solar water heaters and solar lights, where applicable, in the public and private sectors and in communities. Energy conservation and efficiency practices are the only short-term solution Jamaica has in reducing energy consumption. Becoming more efficient refers to the amount of work you get out of a device compared with the amount of energy put into the device — the less energy a device uses to get a certain amount of work done, the more efficient it is. To conserve does not always imply that we do not use our resources as needed but rather that we are more responsible in the manner in which we use the resources.
TEAM NEWSLETTER
9
PIOJ’S WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM By Mrs. Ramona McConnel, Manager, Facilities Management Unit
In April 2009, there was an assessment of the possibility of transitioning from bottled water to bottle -less coolers. However, the matter of satisfactorily purifying the tap water remained. In 2011, the local distributor for Culligan presented options that addressed our concerns. It was clear that the Planning Institute could rid itself of the cost of bottled water, which was approximately $25 000.00 monthly. After much deliberation between the Facilities Management Unit and the supplier about the design that would be most cost effective and suitable for the PIOJ building, a solution was agreed upon. The installation of the Culligan drinking water system in the canteen has marked a step forward along the path of reducing expenditure for the Institute. The system is of the highest quality and the feedback from the staff so far has been positive. As a result, there is the guarantee that cool water will be available at all times for our staff.
Drinking water system installed in the PIOJ’s canteen
GREEN
TEAM NEWSLETTER
10
GREEN TEAM NEWSLETTER Green Team News is published in June and December by the Energy & Resource Management Committee (ERMC) Planning Institute of Jamaica. Editorial Team Arlene Ononaiwu—Editor Carole James Kim Hoo Fatt Richard Kelly Odean Cole-Phoenix Omar Rainford—Design & Layout For additional information on any of the articles presented or about the newsletter, please contact the Green Team at: Planning Institute of Jamaica 16 Oxford Road P.O. Box 634 Kingston 5 Jamaica, West Indies Tel: (876) 960-9339, 906-4463/4 Fax: (876) 906-5011 E-mail: info@pioj.gov.jm www.pioj.gov.jm
GREEN
TEAM NEWSLETTER
11