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:
- Understand the benefits of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, including with battery storage (PV+);
- Identify qualified PV/PV+ installers and financing options; and
- 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:
Workforce Development: JERA delivered clean energy training to 97 Students and Professionals including 24 women (1 in 4 trainees).
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
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Ground-breaking solar pilot project sets the pace for a more energy-resilient Jamaica |
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USAID, DBJ, and JERA Encourage Jamaican Banks to Increase Solar Financing |
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JERA Members
