JAMAICA: REQUEST FOR ENERGY SCIENCE FELLOW

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KINGSTON 000325

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR WHA/CAR (JTILGHMAN)
WHA/EPSC (VDEPIRRO)
WHA/EPSC (FCORNEILLE)
OES/STC FOR EILEEN KANE

SAN JOSE FOR OES BERNARD LINK
SANTO DOMINGO FOR FCS AND FAS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ENRG SENV ECON ETRD KSCA TSPL EAGR AMGT OTRA APER
JM, XL

SUBJECT: JAMAICA: REQUEST FOR ENERGY SCIENCE FELLOW

REF: A. STATE 28712


B. KINGSTON 286

C. 07 KINGSTON 1614

SUMMARY
--------------


1. (SBU) Post would like to request a science fellow to assist in
the emerging renewable energy sector in Jamaica. The scope of work
is relatively broad as Jamaica is seeking to expand its efforts on
renewable energy on several fronts. Post would like to select the
fellow who will be best positioned to assist the GOJ in one or more
of the fields below. A recently announced renewable portfolio goal
of a 15 percent increase by 2015 demonstrates the GOJ support for
improvement in this sector. Specific technologies presenting
opportunities in Jamaica include biofuels, wind energy, solar
energy, and mini-hydro power. Export of renewable technologies to
this region might also prove to be a worthwhile market for US
companies if the GOJ can increase understanding and market
foundation for these sources of energy. The GOJ also has
specifically requested information on the Clean Technology Fund as
well as assistance on any other methods for funding
renewable/alternative energy projects.

Ethanol
--------------

Jamaica conducted a successful pilot project to test vehicles using
a gasoline/ethanol mix referred to as E10. The GOJ is interested in
developing wider distribution of E10 blends. However, it needs
assistance in the areas of developing technical plan for wider
distribution of E10 on the island. Jamaica's pilot study on the
introduction of ethanol to petroleum fuel for motor vehicles was a
positive start. However, support on the commercial introduction and
distribution would be helpful. Support could include best
practices, lessons learned, and contingency planning.

Biodiesels:
--------------

Jamaica has no experience with biodiesel production. However, the
country's climate, topography and soils are conducive to the
production of large quantities of castor beans. With oil content
between 40 percent and 60 percent, if appropriate technologies
exist, this could be a significant source for biodiesel production.
The Ministry of Energy, Mining and Telecommunications has expressed
interest in exploiting this opportunity. Technical support on
biodiesel production from oilseed sources, and lessons-learned from
other biodiesel markets would be helpful. Most large vehicles in
Jamaica, including public buses, run on diesel, thus constituting a
potential market for biodiesel if it were available.


Current Wind and Hydro Projects
--------------

There are some existing wind and hydro energy projects in Jamaica
including as 20 megawatt wind farm owned by the Petroleum
Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ). PCJ and other research show potential
for additional wind generating capacity at both the existing and
other sites. Jamaica would welcome assistance in the area of
helping to develop its wind potential through private sector
partnerships.

Jamaica lacks the potential for large-scale hydroelectricity
generation. However, it has about 23.8 megawatts of hydroelectric
power installed (8 small hydro plants),with the potential for about
another 100 megawatts. Technical assistance in developing wind or
small hydro projects also would be a potential area of focus.

Solar Energy:
--------------

Jamaica has abundant solar energy and has conducted basic research
into measuring the solar potential around the island. With the
extensive use of air-conditioning in the hotel sector, Jamaica's
high peak daily electricity demand could be managed with distributed
generation, utility-scale solar plants, or both. To date, no
utility scale solar plant exists, and use of distributed solar is
growing only slowly. The GOJ is beginning some groundwork in this
sector through the use of solar water heaters on public buildings,

KINGSTON 00000325 002 OF 002


exempting renewable energy equipment from import taxes, and drafting
net-billing legislation. Under the right conditions, potential
exists to significantly increase market penetration of distributed
solar energy technology, considering that retail electricity rates
are triple those of many US markets where use of distributed solar
already has traction.

Energy Sector Background
--------------

Jamaicans pay about USD 0.26 per kilowatt hour for electricity: this
high cost relative to other Caribbean countries reduces Jamaica's
attractiveness for FDI, especially in manufacturing and energy
intensive industries. The peak demand in Jamaica is 600 MW and the
GOJ wants to add at least 70 megawatts in renewable energy. The
government released a request for proposals in April 08 seeking
investment in renewable energy on a Build Own Operate basis over an
initial 20 years (reftel A). Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS),a
vertically integrated electric utility, is the sole retailer of
electric power on the island. JPS is owned by Marubeni Caribbean
Holdings (Japanese) (80%) and the GOJ (20%). 73 percent of the
installed capacity is owned by JPS and the remainder by Independent
Power Producers (IPPs). Jamaica, an oil-dependent nation, uses
approximately 27.4 million barrels per year at a cost that exceeded
USD 2 billion in 2007. The country is hoping to improve energy
security by diversifying into renewable energy.

Response To Reftel Questions
--------------

-- The ideal fellow brings a wealth of scientific knowledge, and
industry, academic, and government contacts in the field of
renewable energy. The Fellow should be as comfortable completing a
site-assessment as conducting quantitative research, or presenting
to high-level technical and non-technical audiences. A graduate of a
regarded energy resources program, relevant engineering background
and education, or extensive experience developing renewable energy
resources could be best suited for this position.

-- Opportunities for the fellow include assisting the GOJ assess
resource potential, develop business catalyst programs, target R&D,
collaborate with local universities, craft specific projects, and
recommend policies to foster growth of renewable energy use. A
self-starter who is able to tactfully navigate a government
bureaucracy while giving technical advice would do well in this
position.

-- There are no specific additional skills that a Fellow should
posses; Jamaica is English speaking, so no additional language
skills are needed.

-- Post is flexible on the timeframe for hosting a Fellow, although
late summer is preferable.

-- The proposed length of fellowship is three months, and a medical
clearance is necessary.

-- A security clearance is not required for this work

-- The point of contact at the Embassy is: Nathan Carter, Economic
Officer email: CarterNC@state.gov and phone: 876-702-6028

-- Post will provide housing, office support, and other in-country
travel arrangements.