AGREEMENT SIGNED FOR PETCOKE COGENERATION POWER PROJECT

 

Minister of Energy, Clive Mullings has signed an agreement bringing into commission the Petroleum Coke (Petcoke) Cogeneration Power Project. This power plant will increase installed generating capacity by 100-120 MW. It is expected that this will relieve some of the economic strain that Jamaica currently bears as a result of its heavy dependence on imported petroleum and increasing oil prices on the global market.

Addressing stakeholders at the launch of the project on Tuesday, July 22, 2008, Mr. Mullings said the production of Petcoke from Petrojam’s upgraded refinery is one of the first tangible steps towards reducing the volume of imported crude oil.

The Energy Minister congratulated the project team, including representatives of PDVSA and other Venezuelan delegates as well as JPS, PCJ and Petrojam for working together in getting this “mega project” off the ground.  He indicated that solutions for the local energy crisis can be achieved from constructed partnerships, collaborations and joint ventures.

Petcoke is one of the preferred sources of energy for electricity generation because it is cheaper than oil. The new power plant will use more efficient and environmentally friendly power generation technology, which allows the use of Petcoke.

With minimal transportation costs attached to the transfer of Petcoke from the Petrojam refinery to the new JPS power plant, there are significant economic benefits to be garnered. Additionally, the project is expected to provide employment for some two thousand (2,000) skilled workers.

The Petcoke Cogeneration Power project is the result of a partnership between the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ), Petrojam, and the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS).

Posted 2008 July 24