PAULWELL
COMMERCE, SCIENCE and Technology Minister, Phillip Paulwell, has said that some 10 per cent of the island's energy needs could come from renewable sources by the year 2010.
The minister, who was addressing the launch of the publication 'Renewable Energies Potential in Jamaica' at the Hilton Kingston Hotel last week, said that the government was firmly committed to more extensive use of renewable energy and has been developing mechanisms toward this goal.
He however pointed out that to date, Jamaica's exploitation of renewable sources of energy had lagged behind its full potential, hindered by market barriers such as the lack of appropriately prepared bankable projects; financing; limited human capacity; and the general lack of awareness about the technologies and benefits of renewable energy.
ONE-STOP AGENCY
"As recommended by the United Nations Economic Commission on Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) study to attract foreign investment, we need a one-stop agency as a central contact point," Minister Paulwell said, adding that financial and fiscal incentives were also necessary.
"If we are to seriously develop our renewable energy potential, we must ensure that any potential barriers are addressed in a speedy manner and that investors, local or foreign, are encouraged to build their projects as quickly as possible," he added.
According to Minister Paulwell, Jamaica must build on its significant natural advantages. He noted that the country was already gaining ground through initiatives such as the Wigton wind farm and other projects now under way.
