National Renewable Energy Policy 2009 - 2030 (Draft)

Country / jurisdiction: Jamaica · Year: 2010 · Status: In force · Level: National · Type: Voluntary

The  National Renewable Energy Policy of Jamaica focus on introducing measures that will allow Jamaica to achieve the targets set for renewable energy as defined in the National Energy Policy 2009 – 2030.  This Policy furthermore commits the Government to a number of enabling strategies to ensure that renewable energy becomes a significant part of its energy portfolio over the same period.

The National Renewable Energy Policy is directly related to the achievement of Goals 3 and 4 of Jamaica’s National Energy Policy 2009 – 2030.

Goal 3 of the energy policy states that “Jamaica realizes its energy resource potential through the development of renewable energy sources and enhances its international competitiveness and energy security whilst reducing its carbon footprint”. This goal focuses on the development of indigenous renewable energy resources with the goal of increasing the percentage of renewables in the energy mix to 20% by 2030 . Waste is considered a renewable source of energy since it is indigenous and sustainable. By adding waste to the list of solar, hydro, wind and biofuels, the target of renewables in the nation’s energy mix will be facilitated.

Goal 4 of the energy policy states that “Jamaica’s energy supply is secure and sufficient to support long-term economic and social development and environmental sustainability”. Under this goal, Jamaica will reduce the percentage of petroleum in the country’s energy supply mix from the current 95% in order to protect the country from disruptions in oil supply and price volatility.

The Renewables energy policy effectively contributes to fuel diversification to achieve this goal.

Official source: http://mset.gov.jm/sites/default/files/pdf/Draft%20Renewable%20Energy%20Policy.pdf