Energy Resilience in Jamaica
Strengthening Energy Sector Resilience in Jamaica Overview

About

“Strengthening Energy Sector Resilience in Jamaica” was a three-and-a-half-year partnership between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Jamaica Energy Resilience Alliance (JERA). Led by Cadmus and with USAID support, JERA provided specialized support to Jamaican businesses seeking to reduce power costs, increase reliability of supply, and green their operations.

Between 2021 and 2024, JERA helped Jamaican businesses:

  1. Understand the benefits of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, including with battery storage (PV+);
  2. Identify qualified PV/PV+ installers and financing options; and
  3. Navigate the regulatory and installation processes.

JERA supported a wide range of renewable energy market development activities to strengthen the resilience of Jamaica’s energy sector. When SESR-Jamaica ended in June 2024, JERA had exceeded its targets for expanding distributed solar and storage to create a more resilient Jamaican energy sector.


Results*

Solar Market Demand Aggregation: Through 1:1 technical assistance and engagement with installers and financiers, JERA helped 23 Jamaican Businesses sign contracts for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Solar Plus Storage (PV+) systems to power 36 Business Facilities across Jamaica. Combined, these contracts accounted for:

Map of Jamaica with highlighted locations, noting 2.4 MW PV capacity, 2.4 MWh storage capacity, and $5.4 million capital mobilized.

Workforce Development: JERA delivered clean energy training to 97 Students and Professionals including 24 women (1 in 4 trainees).

A pie chart shows 17 NABCEP PV Inspectors (gray), 38 NABCEP PV Associates (maroon), and 42 NABCEP PV Installers (blue).

A rooftop covered with solar panels under a partly cloudy sky with trees and hills in the distant background.

PV+ Pilot Project: Conceived by the UWI–Mona, executed by LASCO with technical support from the UWI, Cadmus, and local renewable energy experts and a one-third funding share from USAID the PV+ Pilot Project at LASCO Distributors Ltd includes:

  • A 500kW PV and 1,064 kWh battery system to power LASCO facilities, support critical research on large commercial PV+ operations, and help train the next generation of Jamaica’s solar professionals.
  • A 10kW PV+ system to supply clean electricity and emergency backup power to a neighboring Central Village Community Center.

Read more about the PV+ Pilot Project here and view highlights from the PV+ Pilot Project Celebration of Completion event below.

*Infographic: SESR-Jamaica Program Results


Watch our video, “Solar Photovoltaics: Right for Jamaican Businesses,” for more information on our program impacts and legacy.

Hear from Jamaican businesses that went solar through the SESR-Jamaica program:


News and Highlights

people at an award ceremony

Creating Resilient & Sustainable Communities

people at an award ceremony

JERA: Strengthening Energy Sector Resilience

Ribbon Cutting event

Ground-breaking solar pilot project sets the pace for a more energy-resilient Jamaica

Jamaica Energy Resilience Alliance (JERA) membersJamaican Businesses Embrace Solar in Business Forum

group of people

The Jamaica Energy Resilience Alliance is Proud to Announce a New Official Alliance Member: the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association

Members of CREF

USAID, DBJ, and JERA Encourage Jamaican Banks to Increase Solar Financing

CREF Panel 2022

JERA Hosts Panel at 2022 Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum

JERA Members

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