Jamaica, known for its vibrant culture and picturesque beaches, faces a pressing energy challenge that affects both its economy and its people. The island nation heavily relies on fossil fuels, particularly oil, for its energy needs, leaving it vulnerable to soaring prices and environmental repercussions. With energy insecurity and exorbitant waste costs, Jamaicans struggle to afford the high expenses of powering their homes and businesses. However, amidst these challenges, signs of progress are emerging as renewable energy initiatives gain momentum. And the state of renewable energy in Jamaica appears to be having an impact on poverty in the country.

The State of Energy Reliance in Jamaica

Jamaica primarily relies on fossil fuels, particularly oil, for energy production. Around 89% of all energy comes from such sources, with renewables making up 11% combined — solar accounts for only 1%. Since Jamaica imports a majority of its oil from other countries, it is subject to high prices. The cost of imported oil surpassed the profit from exported goods by almost 118% in 2010. As such, the continued use of fossil fuels is not sustainable for the country’s economy or environment.

Its energy insecurity is exacerbated by incredibly and consistently high amounts of wasted energy. For example, Jamaica Public Service Co., the country’s primary distributor, lost nearly 27% of the power it generated in 2017. This loss amounted to more than $301 million. Still, it primarily relies on fossil fuels despite the problems of inefficient infrastructure and high import costs.

How Energy Affects Poverty in Jamaica

Many Jamaicans pay high amounts of money to power their homes and businesses to compensate for import and waste costs. Oil can fluctuate in price, so relying on it puts people in a poor position financially. Out of 82 low-to-middle-income countries experiencing high rates of energy poverty, Jamaica has the highest energy poverty status because it lacks proper energy infrastructure.

Is Jamaica Making Progress?

Even though most of Jamaica’s energy comes from fossil fuels, current trends suggest that this may not continue to be the case. Multiple organizations have already taken steps to implement more renewable power sources. For example, the Jamaica Energy Security and Efficiency Enhancement Project decreased oil dependency by 24% in only seven years. It also developed sources of replenishable energy that Jamaicans can rely on.

The country is also receiving international assistance. The Global Environment Facility gave it a $1.25 million grant to switch hospitals to renewable energy mixes. Based on projections, this can result in saving $3.5 million while reducing energy consumption by 22% yearly. This change directly impacts poverty because it lessens the cost of power in critical sectors, translating to savings for Jamaican citizens.

The Impact of Renewable Energy on Jamaica

Many organizations are working to increase renewable energy to lessen poverty. For example, the founders of Radiant Energy Ltd. believe more clean power could strengthen Jamaica’s economy. Since high costs prevent growth and contribute to poverty, the organization provides clean electricity at a lower price than fossil fuels.

As a result of combined efforts, oil usage took only one year to drop from 104,408 terajoules to 58,276 terajoules in 2020. The reliance on fossil fuels still impacts poverty, but Jamaicans are steadily improving their renewable energy use.

Looking Ahead

Jamaica is working to make energy more accessible and affordable. For example, it exempts solar panels and wind turbines from certain taxes. The country continues to make notable progress in its transition towards renewable energy sources, signaling a promising future for the country’s economy and environment. Initiatives such as implementing domestic ethanol blends and exploring innovative solutions like floating solar panels demonstrate Jamaica’s commitment to sustainable energy alternatives. And as renewable energy becomes more accessible, there is hope that Jamaica can alleviate poverty by reducing power costs, fostering economic growth and creating a more resilient and environmentally conscious society.

– Jane Marsh
Photo: Flickr