The Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) has received 28 proposals for the development of projects aimed at generating up to 115 megawatts (MW) of energy from renewable sources. 

 

The submissions, from 20 local and overseas companies, were revealed during a public opening of bid documents on Monday. 

 

The proposals included two for wind projects, one for biomass, and 25 for solar energy. 

 

Eight of the proposals were received from local companies. 

 

The 115 MW of renewable energy is expected to provide some 400,000 megawatt hours of electricity per year, which could potentially reduce Jamaica’s oil import expenditure by US$55 million. 

 

The OUR’s project manager, Peter Johnson, said the high level of interest in the project is very encouraging and the regulators will now move towards the evaluation processes, which should be completed by August 5. 

 

The OUR is looking to complete the negotiation of project agreements by June 18, next year. 

 

The selected applicants are expected to post their performance security deposit by June 28 next year and begin construction in August of that year. 

 

The proposed commissioning date is August 2016. 

 

The OUR issued a request for proposal in November last year.

 

Source: Jamaica Gleaner