LNG is catalyst for economic growth to wider Caribbean – stakeholder
THE INTRODUCTION of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Jamaica is being hailed as not just a catalyst for economic growth and environmental sustainability for the island, but the wider Caribbean region. That’s the view of Brannen McElmurray, managing director of New Fortress Energy.
“As a clean, affordable and efficient fuel for power generation, natural gas is the best complement to renewable energy. Investments in energy infrastructure and a growing gas market in Jamaica are transforming the energy landscape and making Jamaica a clean-energy model for the region,” McElmurray told The Gleaner ahead of a three-day natural gas conference in Kingston, beginning tomorrow. New Fortress is already working with the Jamaica Public service (JPS) to introduce LNG to Jamaica. The fuel is already in the island at the upgraded Bogue plant in Montego Bay, St James, and will be the fuel of choice at the 190-megawatt plant which is being constructed at Old Harbour Bay, St Catherine.
Highlighting that LNG was the gas of the future, McElmurray pointed to both the short and long-term benefits to be derived from the fuel.
“First of all, the transition to natural gas from other fossil fuels has immediate environmental benefits, because it is the cleanest and it significantly reduces emissions. With the investments made by New Fortress Energy and JPS, Jamaica will benefit from over 400 megawatts of clean and modern natural gas power generation. That’s a significant step forward for the country’s energy diversification efforts ,and will accelerate the integration of renewables,” McElmurray stated.
He further explained that industrial users are able to benefit from the availability of natural gas to reduce their energy and power costs, while reducing emissions.
McElmurray noted that with the benefits of introducing natural gas, Jamalco will be able to reduce costs and boost production in its operations. And, he said Red Stripe’s conversion to natural gas would provide more than US$300,000 (J$39 million) per year in savings for the beer company. “These benefits will be realised with additional growth and investments in the local economy and the creation of new jobs and a specialised workforce that will expand over the coming decade,” the New Fortress boss added.
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
McElmurray pointed to the environmental benefits of the introduction of LNG to Jamaica. He said that it would allow JPS to make further investments for lower energy costs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He asserted it would have the impact of planting 10 million trees.
“Lower energy costs will help make Jamaica more competitive for nearly every industry. The availability of natural gas also assist industries that can utilise the benefits in other energy processes, whether it’s for transportation, steam or cold energy.”