Jamaica could become a hub for the purchase and redistribution of LNG in the region, according to the country’s minister of science, energy and technology, Andrew Wheatley.
Speaking at the commissioning of Jamaica Public Service (JPS)’s LNG-fueled Bogue 120-megawatt power plant in St. James on Friday, Wheatley said that the country’s energy policy and plans will enable the creation of a competitive energy market, Jamaica Information Service reports.
The opening of the US$175 million LNG facility positioned Jamaica as a “major energy force in the Caribbean” , Prime Minister, Andrew Holness said.
He adds that the use of liquefied natural gas could expand to transportation and expects investment across the Caribbean to come into Jamaica.
New Fortress Energy, JPS’ LNG partner, chartered the 2003-built, 138,500-cbm Golar Arctic to serve as a floating storage unit supplying fuel for the power plant. LNG for the Bogue power plant arrived two weeks ago aboard Anthony Veder’s Coral Anthelia.
In discussions with New Fortress Energy, Holness was informed that plans for a second LNG power plant are well underway.
In September, JPS finalized an agreement with General Electric for the manufacturing of equipment for its LNG-fired 190-megawatt power plant at Old Harbour Bay, St. Catherine.
New Fortress Energy will privately finance and develop the infrastructure necessary to deliver LNG to the new Old Harbour plant.
LNG World News Staff