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.