Jamaica’s Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications, and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz, has commended LASCO Distributors for its pioneering investment in a new solar energy system, citing it as a symbol of innovation and progress.
The project, celebrated for its contribution to the country’s sustainable energy infrastructure, showcases the potential of renewable energy to serve both commercial and national interests.
A milestone in sustainable energy infrastructure
At a ceremony held on April 11 at LASCO Distributors’ White Marl plant in St. Catherine, Minister Vaz hailed the completion of the University of the West Indies/LASCO 500-kilowatt Solar PV and Solar Battery Energy Storage Pilot Project.
This initiative stands as one of Jamaica’s largest commercial solar and storage projects, promising not only to power LASCO’s operations but also to provide clean electricity and emergency backup power to the neighboring Central Village Community Centre.
Partnership for progress
Supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Jamaica Energy Resilience Alliance (JERA), the project represents a collaborative effort between public and private sectors.
With an approximate investment of US$2 million, LASCO contributed 60 per cent of the cost, while USAID covered the remaining 40 per cent. The University of the West Indies (UWI) also played a role, providing financing and lending a weather station to facilitate research.
Research for future innovation
Executive Chairman of LASCO Affiliated Companies, James Rawle, emphasized the importance of research in guiding the project’s evolution. With the system fully commissioned and operational, attention now turns to data collection and analysis, overseen by UWI Mona.
This research aims to inform future advancements in solar PV technology and cultivate a skilled workforce in renewable energy systems.
A model for the future
US Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Nick Perry, expressed pride in USAID’s support for the project, foreseeing its potential as a model for other Jamaican businesses.
The research led by UWI, under the guidance of Nobel Prize Winner and Emeritus Professor Dr. Anthony Chen, holds promise for advancing utility-scale batteries for distributive generation.
Towards energy independence
Dr. Chen emphasized the imperative of renewable energy research in achieving energy resilience and independence.
With the ambition to transition to 100 per cent renewable energy, he underscored the necessity of continued innovation and investment in the sector.
Pioneering progress in renewable energy
The completion of the University of the West Indies/LASCO solar project marks a significant step forward in Jamaica’s renewable energy journey.
It not only contributes to national goals of energy diversification but also strengthens partnerships for sustainable development and climate resilience.
