Energy sector assistance

The primary GOJ implementing agency will be the Energy Division of the Ministry of Mining and Energy (ED/MME). Major project components will be program planning/management, energy conservation, and alternative energy. The ED/MME will be fully staffed with qualified energy planners and technicians, especially in the Economic Planning Branch. A fully equipped Energy Information Center (EIC) will aid public and private energy-related organizations. The ED Economics Branch will expand in size and technical competence, a national energy accounting system will be established, and a national energy model prepared. The project will finance development of a plan to identify and prioritize public sector energy conservation measures. An existing public education program for national energy conservation will be expanded to include extensive media coverage, with special focus on high energy consumers (motorists, industry). A mobile unit will provide public education on energy conservation to rural areas. Public facilities will be audited and retrofitted to conserve energy. Appropriate energy standards will be incorporated into national building and manufacturing codes; energy-conserving building design and construction approaches will be developed and disseminated through literature and teaching seminars; and fiscal and other conservation incentives will be identified. The project will emphasize immediate use of cost-effective alternative energy technology and establishment of an institutional network for development and use of other energy sources. A major solar water heating program will include installation of units in public buildings (hospitals, hotels) and establishment of solar industry standards. A Solar Energy Institute will be established to provide training and practical research in solar technologies. Ten climatic stations will improve the meteorological data needed for solar energy programs. All indigenous alternative energy resources will be assessed, and a prototype testing program will be established for resources with potential for providing a significant energy output at reasonably competitive cost. Jamaica"s forestry resources will be assessed for their energy potential, including research to determine fast-growing tree species. Rural demonstration centers will be established to encourage acceptance of alternative energy technologies. The project will stress labor-intensive efforts, use of locally manufactured equipment, use of quality control standards, and local technician training. Some commodities and equipment, and long- and short-term consultants will be provided for all project components. Project Paper amendment No. 2 of 6/16/83 authorizes Phase II adding two components: (1) an Energy Credit Fund to finance private sector energy conservation and alternative energy investments and to provide loans to local energy-related industries to help reduce dependence on imported oil; (2) TA to help establish and upgrade local energy-related industries. (PD-AAN-721)