Closing Ceremony for the Deployment of Renewable Energy and Improvement of Energy Efficiency in the Public Sector Project

Salutations

• The Honourable Daryl Vaz, Minister of Science, Energy and Technology
• The Honourable Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, State Minister, Ministry of Health and Wellness
• Dr. Damian Black, Commissioner/Executive Director, Jamaica Tertiary Education Commission
• Mrs. Imega Breese-McNab, Executive Director, Private Sector Organization of Jamaica
• Mr Edison Galbraith, General Manager, Loan Origination & Portfolio Management, Development Bank of Jamaica
• Mr. Micheal Bent, Regional Director, Southern Regional Health Authority
• Dr. Errol Greene, Acting Regional Director, South-East Regional Health Authority
• Mrs. Marcia Mullings-Thompson, CEO, Bellevue Hospital
• Members of the media
• Other distinguished guests

Good afternoon to All.

As we are gathered in this space, partly powered by solar panels, I am reminded of former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s apt statement on sustainable energy. And I quote “Sustainable Energy is the golden thread that connects economic growth, increased social equity and an environment that allows the world to thrive.” Energy is the lifeblood of the economy just as water is important to life. However, energy must be clean, sustainable, and affordable to everyone. It should transform and enhance the quality of our lives, especially those that are at risk of being left behind.

Jamaica’s heavy reliance and high costs on imported fossil fuels, no doubt puts a strain on its national budget and diverts much needed resources away from social programmes, quality healthcare and education but also limits the Government’s ability to accelerate diversification of the energy mix in Jamaica with an expansion of renewable energy.

Jamaica has significant renewable energy potential as reflected in the increased target of 50 percent renewables in the National Energy Policy 2009-2030. I commend the Government for the successful implementation and outstanding results attained that have furthered the goal of diversifying the energy mix, increasing the penetration of renewables and promoting energy efficiency. These achievements must be expanded so that sustainable universal access can be delivered to and for the benefit of all Jamaicans.   

This is why I am honoured and delighted to participate in this momentous event to officially close the “Deployment of Renewable Energy and Improvement of Energy Efficiency in the Public Sector” Project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) and the former Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) valued at USD 1,254,987.

Implemented in partnership with these key stakeholders, UNDP welcomed the opportunity to contribute to Jamaica’s development through the implementation of energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy (RE) initiatives in six hospitals (Bellevue, Black River, May Pen, National Chest, Savanna-la-mar and Sir John Golding).

Our collective aim was to contribute to reducing the public sector energy bill while advancing efforts toward low carbon development. The project complements the work of the Government in advancing SDGs 3: Good Health and Well-being; 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and 13 Climate Action.

People and Planet centred development are at the core of UNDP’s work, and we believe that sustainable energy can help to transform healthcare, education, create decent and reliable jobs and vibrant business opportunities.

Through this project, solar energy and energy efficiency systems were installed and commissioned in six public hospitals; capacity was built in the public sector; and the policy and regulatory framework was strengthened that governs the development and deployment of RE and EE technologies.

Finally and critical to the project, it sought to establish a sustainable financing mechanism – the Energy Services Company (ESCO) model - to catalyze and sustain investments in sustainable energy through public private partnerships (PPPs).   Although this vital milestone was not achieved, the groundwork has been advanced and a compelling recommendation emerging from the project’s evaluation is that the Government should strongly consider establishing a national sustainable financing mechanism towards future investments in sustainable energy. With such a mechanism being uncommon in the Caribbean, we believe this is an opportune time for Jamaica to seize this innovative financing model and stand as the pioneer in the region.

Later on, you will hear more about the project achievements but like in any situation, the project has had its share of challenges namely the procurement of RE and EE systems to meet required specifications.  Thankfully, this was resolved through the use of UNDP’s Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) with international companies under the UNDP’s global procurement facility.  We remain at the disposal of the Government should similar needs arise.

At this juncture, I am delighted to officially handover the solar PV, and LED systems to the Government of Jamaica. Through the mix of RE and EE systems installed at these six hospitals; it is projected that the Government will realize an estimated savings of JMD 54 million annually.

Echoing the call of our current Secretary General, Antonio Guterres for the transition from fossil fuels and towards a clean energy future – a future that protects people and planet and promote prosperity, he cited three vital reasons to choose clean energy:

·      Health: Worldwide, outdoor air pollution is causing close to 9 million early deaths every year and shortening human lifespans by an average of three years.

·      Science: there is ever-growing evidence of the increasing toll of climate disruption

·      Economics: Per kilowatt hour, solar energy is now cheaper than coal in most countries

This is still achievable.

That is why UNDP is grateful for the longstanding partnerships with the Government of Jamaica and will continue to partner and collaborate so that : no one is left behind; every Jamaican can achieve his or her fullest potential; every household can afford clean energy services; every community and public space can be adequately lighted; every business can access clean and affordable energy to be competitive; economic growth is not hampered by high energy costs; and, transportation is world class, fuelled by clean energy; sustainable energy will illuminate a low carbon path for “Jamaica to be the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business”.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you.