Jamaica: National Water Commission to reduce total energy consumption and save $1B annually

The Jamaica government is undertaking a series of initiatives which also involve upgrading infrastructure with the intention of reducing the energy consumption of the National Water Commission (NWC), the largest consumer of energy in the country.

Senator Mathew Samuda, the Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, recently emphasized the notable impact of energy costs on the NWC, then went on to highlight that one of the flagship initiatives will be installing a pioneering floating solar system of the Mona Reservoir in St Andrew.

The installation costs are estimated to be close to 60 million USD. It has been estimated that the installation will produce about 45 megawatts of clean energy, when compared to the current system, this will annually save close to 1 billion USD.

Samuda suggested that the saved amount will undoubtedly be reinvested into various systems across Jamaica; while speaking about the installation he shared that the NWC currently spends more than 30% of their total revenue on the current provision.

The outlined plans intend to replace over 36 most energy-inefficient pump systems and undergo the required rewiring and maintenance work; Outside of energy optimisation, the government also aims to enhance water accessibility throughout the nation from 75% to a whopping 90%, the aim is to enhance efficiency and reliability of the NWC’s pump systems, he goes on to provide the following statement,

“We have committed that we’re going to increase our supply of water to ensure that the NWC moves from supplying 75 percent of Jamaicans’ water to 90 percent”. He then goes on to point out that the remaining 10% will be distributed through various systems that the municipal corporations manage. The larger plan which subsumes this change to the NWC is estimated to cost about 904 million USD. This proposed introduction of legislation for business improvement districts is also expected to stimulate economic activity by allowing for an easier flow of commerce for business operations.

As of this time, no details surrounding a specific timeline have been shared by the Jamaican Government, but the potential benefits promised to the general public are nothing short of optimistic.