Ethanol Roll Out to Begin November 1, 2008
Minister of Energy, Clive Mullings, has informed that the E10 Ethanol programme, out of the Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy (CERE), a unit within the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ), is expected to be rolled out on November 1.
"We will make available in 87 gasoline, the blend of 10 per cent ethanol (and 90 per cent petrol) and that will also allow us greater facilities in terms of foreign exchange demand. We will therefore be utilizing a renewable resource for our benefit," he informed.
He was speaking at the opening ceremony for the Jamaica Institution of Engineers (JIE), two-day (Sept. 24 to 25) exposition for Engineers Week 2008, which was observed under the theme: 'Exploring Alternatives', at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston.
In highlighting some of the initiatives being undertaken by the Ministry, through CERE to source alternative means of energy, he pointed out that some 40 projects had come to the Centre, and that there is going to be a second round of requests for proposals to get these on board.
Mr. Mullings also noted that in terms of waste to energy solutions, he has had discussions with the head of the National Solid Waste Authority (NSWMA), with respect to a landfill in Retirement, St. James "and that is going to be earmarked as one facility to utilize waste to energy," he noted.
The Energy Minister further advised that arrangements have been made with the National Housing Trust (NHT), to enable its beneficiaries to access loans for the purchase and installation of solar technologies (panels).
"It's $1.4 million for a single applicant; $2.8 million for two individuals, who wish to utilize this facility; and we need to utilize that. We have a billion dollar window at the Development Bank of Jamaica Limited (DBJ), to unlend to other banking institutions for companies that want to engage in renewable energy and conservation," he said, while encouraging persons to report any challenges they may encounter in accessing the funds.
Posted 2008 October 06
Source: Jamaica Information Service