CMI launches renewable-energy project

The Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) has launched its renewable-energy project aimed at providing a reliable source of potable water for students and staff, while increasing public awareness and training in the production of water through curriculum integration and observation of the outputs in operation. The project was launched at the institute on July 26.

The project is funded by the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) and the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ). Through the Jamaica Maritime Institute Trust Fund, GEF SGP and EFJ have provided funding to implement the project, "establishing the Caribbean Maritime Institute as a learning centre for renewable energy, producing wind energy/potable drinking water". The project is also aimed at utilising indigenous technology in the production of renewable energy to operate the system.

Phillip Paulwell, minister of science, technology, energy and mining, and keynote speaker at the launch, congratulated the CMI for undertaking the project and seeking the necessary financial support needed to materialise the effort. He highlighted the success of the project as a critical milestone and "a display of creation and innovation" that utilises the earth's natural resources, of which Jamaica has an abundance.

CMI has various needs for a sustained supply of water, and its water-purification project that transforms seawater into potable water, through reverse osmosis, for general consumption, holds much relevance. Over the next five years, CMI intends to achieve numerous energy goals. These include, reducing its dependency on the Jamaica Public Service Company by 50 per cent, replacing all incandescent and florescent lights to light-emitting diode (LED) technology, and expanding the manufacturing of LED supply solutions and solar voltaic panels beyond the Jamaican market to the Caribbean. CMI also intends to use this project to facilitate the transfer of technology into the hands of young people, especially those enrolled in the Career Advancement Programme at the institute. Students will be trained in the manufacturing of the LED light bulbs and fixtures and will be taught how to recycle general items for alternative uses; using used drums to make wind turbines to aid the generation of wind energy

In an era of depleting energy sources, the CMI has embarked on new ways of ensuring that energy production from renewable-energy sources informs the education and training of the nation's youth. The generation of renewable energy and water coincides with the Institute's commitment to protect the environment in which it operates and provide training and education to its growing population. CMI is dedicated to improving the environmental performance across all of our business and academic activities and providing solutions to aid the development of Jamaica and the region.

Attending the launch were Stephen Hodges, from the Environment Foundation, Dr Arun Kashyap, United Nations resident coordinator - United Nations Development Programme, and Hyacinth Douglas, National GEF SGP coordinator, among other specially invited guests.