What is the nature of Jamaica's energy sector?

Jamaica's energy sector has been marked by high dependence on imported petroleum products, with 94 percent of all energy used coming from imports in 2008. The sector was also a combination of various private and public entities, leading to intricate decision-making processes and coordination challenges.

What is Jamaica's energy policy?

Jamaica's National Energy Policy, published in 2009, sets targets for renewable electricity generation, energy efficiency, and greenhouse gas emissions to be met by 2030. The policy document outlines Jamaica's comprehensive long-term energy plan.

What is the cost of electricity in Jamaica?

Jamaica's electricity cost is approximately $0.39 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This information is provided in the energy snapshot of Jamaica, an island nation located in the north Caribbean Sea. The utility rates are above the Caribbean regional average of $0.33/kWh.

Why is electricity inexpensive in Jamaica?

Jamaica's electricity is inexpensive due to the fact that more than 94% of the island’s electricity is generated from petroleum-based fuels. This leaves Jamaica highly dependent on imported fossil fuels and vulnerable to oil price and currency exchange fluctuations that directly impact the cost of electricity.

Does Jamaica use solar power?

Jamaica has yet to see large-scale development of solar power, with no utility-scale facilities installed to date. However, there are notable solar installations, such as the 1.6-MW rooftop array at the Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa and the combined 500 kW installed across 33 facilities by the Jamaica Broilers Group.

Could Jamaica have been able to achieve its goals without oil?

The Government of Jamaica recognized that they could not have achieved their energy efficiency and security goals to the extent noted without decreasing their oil dependency, which decreased from 95 percent (2010) to 71 percent (2017), and is expected to fall further, to approximately 50 percent, by the end of 2019.