Prime Minister Holness Opens Solar Facility at NWC Pumping Station, Highlights Push for Renewable Energy and Lower Costs
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to renewable energy as a key strategy to lower the cost of water delivery and reduce national dependence.
Speaking yesterday (May 27) at the official opening of the Forest Hills Pumping Station Solar Park, the Prime Minister commended the National Water Commission (NWC) for taking the lead in modernizing its operations and improving internal efficiency.
“The NWC is the largest customer of the Jamaica Public Service (JPS),” the Prime Minister explained. “Yes, it costs quite a bit to get water to your homes because of the heavy use of electricity. But the NWC is trying to achieve internal efficiencies in its operations. That is actually a way to moderate costs to you.”
The Prime Minister noted that solar energy investments like the one at Forest Hills represent a direct way of reducing operating expenses, which can ultimately translate into lower costs for consumers.
“Investments in solar power will help to reduce the NWC’s operating costs and moderate costs passed on to you,” Dr. Holness said.
Prime Minister Holness also used the opportunity to emphasize the need for Jamaica to explore a wider array of renewable energy options, beyond just solar and wind.
“We must also consider hydroelectricity. It may not be at a stage where it is considered commercially substantial, but we must begin to investigate it alongside geothermal and other options,” he stated.
He explained that Jamaica has set a national goal to generate 50 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, and that strategic investments being made today will secure that future.
“Twenty, thirty years ago, putting up these solar panels would not have been considered viable. But the technology has changed. Solar panels are now quite efficient and affordable. So, Jamaica is putting itself in a position to take advantage of advances in technology across all areas of renewables,” Dr. Holness said.
Prime Minister Holness concluded by commending the NWC for being a leader in the Government’s broader transition toward a more sustainable and resilient utility infrastructure.
“I’m happy to say that the NWC is leading the way in that regard,” he said.