Clive Mullings, Minister of Energy

The Government's move towards coal as a source of energy has attracted interest from at least two sources, including the Chinese who are scouting investment opportunities in coal-powered co-generation facilities in Jamaica.

Energy Minister Clive Mullings told the Financial Gleaner that two sets of investors - one from China, the other already in operation here - have expressed interest in setting up coal-fired co-generation plants, mainly for the bauxite sector whose expansion is hinged on the sourcing of additional power.

"There is a meeting ... with Minister (Derrick) Smith and some investors from China to use coal in the bauxite industry," Mullings told the Financial Gleaner.

He said expressions of interest include Mincenco Limited, a subsidiary company of American company Century Aluminum Limited, which has a stake in the St Ann Bauxite Company.

Coal co-generation plant

Mincenco wants to set up a coal co-generation plant in St Ann, presumably to generate power for the bauxite plant at Discovery Bay that is partially owned by its parent.

Mullings could not provide details on the extent of the Chinese interest.

Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Mining and Telecom-munications, Marcia Forbes, declined to comment on the meetings, saying she was not at liberty to disclose information on the nature of the talks.

Forbes also sought to downplay the interest, telling the Financial Gleaner that there were investors in Jamaica every day exploring investment opportunities.

Jamaica is adding coal to its energy mix to help cut back on the US$2 billion oil bill that the country wracks up annually.

Mullings has said the programme will require investment of about US$300 million in the right infrastructure.

john.myers@gleanerjm.com