Dear Editor,
This is an open letter to Minister of Science, Technology, Energy, and Mining Phillip Paulwell:
Prior to the change of government in 2007, and since your resuming office in 2011, I have been paying close attention to your efforts to guide Jamaica's energy future. In the past, I have worked closely with technocrats in your office as well as with agents at NEPA, particularly in the area of alternate bio-mass-fired boilers for the production of electricity.
But, going by recent developments in our economy, it seems your ministry has to take the lead in Jamaica's productive and financial future. Your ministry cannot afford to let this term expire without firmly stamping the way forward for the country.
As an ordinary citizen I recognise the need for Jamaica to end its full dependency on imported oil. A 50 per cent reduction in our oil bill would wipe out Jamaica's trade deficit. The quest, though, is not just only for cheaper energy, but a removal of the country's dependence on expensive energy. Whereas the decision to build a new 360-MW plant is commendable, it is not enough. This, in the short term, will only replace some of what is now obsolete generating capacity, and to grow, Jamaica needs a modern, reliable grid. For a way forward, I implore you to consider to immediately start planning for another 360+ MW facility, fired by coal; and then to study nuclear energy. Coal is no longer dirty and there is technology to ensure this is well established.
Also, immediately start planning for a Waste to Energy (WTE) facility to add another 100MW. The fuel for this is lying in landfills all over the country and is produced daily. Apart from reducing the dependency on oil, a WTE facility will create a whole new job market in the delivery of waste to such a facility -- transport, drivers, loaders, sorters, etc, and the operator can control the price as happens in the scrap metal trade today.
Immediately start planning for CoGen plants with the sugar factories for a possible 200MW. Plans for this are not new, but have been the subject of almost yearly reviews with the same answer.. Yes it can work. Joint arrangements for the provision of bio-mass during crop time in exchange for energy and steam should be put in place; to be followed up by yet another new job-creation programme.
I am sure this will find favour with overseas stakeholders and environmental watchdogs. I envision a composite or the ideas: an energy park with both a Coal Plant and WTE. These exist elsewhere, sometimes in the middle of high-end neighbourhoods, and can work here.
I hope this inspires you to "hold no quarters" in moving to pull Jamaica into the black.
Robert Marrett
gyntafgsg@gmail.com
Pull Jamaica back into the black, Paulwell
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This is an open letter to Minister of Science, Technology, Energy, and Mining Phillip Paulwell:
Prior to the change of government in 2007, and since your resuming office in 2011, I have been paying close attention to your efforts to guide Jamaica's energy future. In the past, I have worked closely with technocrats in your office as well as with agents at NEPA, particularly in the area of alternate bio-mass-fired boilers for the production of electricity.
But, going by recent developments in our economy, it seems your ministry has to take the lead in Jamaica's productive and financial future. Your ministry cannot afford to let this term expire without firmly stamping the way forward for the country.
As an ordinary citizen I recognise the need for Jamaica to end its full dependency on imported oil. A 50 per cent reduction in our oil bill would wipe out Jamaica's trade deficit. The quest, though, is not just only for cheaper energy, but a removal of the country's dependence on expensive energy. Whereas the decision to build a new 360-MW plant is commendable, it is not enough. This, in the short term, will only replace some of what is now obsolete generating capacity, and to grow, Jamaica needs a modern, reliable grid. For a way forward, I implore you to consider to immediately start planning for another 360+ MW facility, fired by coal; and then to study nuclear energy. Coal is no longer dirty and there is technology to ensure this is well established.
Also, immediately start planning for a Waste to Energy (WTE) facility to add another 100MW. The fuel for this is lying in landfills all over the country and is produced daily. Apart from reducing the dependency on oil, a WTE facility will create a whole new job market in the delivery of waste to such a facility -- transport, drivers, loaders, sorters, etc, and the operator can control the price as happens in the scrap metal trade today.
Immediately start planning for CoGen plants with the sugar factories for a possible 200MW. Plans for this are not new, but have been the subject of almost yearly reviews with the same answer.. Yes it can work. Joint arrangements for the provision of bio-mass during crop time in exchange for energy and steam should be put in place; to be followed up by yet another new job-creation programme.
I am sure this will find favour with overseas stakeholders and environmental watchdogs. I envision a composite or the ideas: an energy park with both a Coal Plant and WTE. These exist elsewhere, sometimes in the middle of high-end neighbourhoods, and can work here.
I hope this inspires you to "hold no quarters" in moving to pull Jamaica into the black.
Robert Marrett
gyntafgsg@gmail.com
Pull Jamaica back into the black, Paulwell
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