$65M US Solar Farm Now Open in Westmoreland; PM Holness Calls for Renewable Partnerships

Using renewable energy to generate electricity. Built at a cost of 65 million US dollar, the Paradise Park Solar Farm is expected to significantly decrease Jamaica’s dependence on fossil fuels. 

Speaking at the Farm’s launch on Wednesday, Prime Minister Andrew Holness pledged the government’s support in increasing the use of renewable energy and encouraged investments in renewables and why he remains convinced that they are now an integral part of the country’s economic future.

 “This is a signal to investors, the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR), the Jamaica Public Service, the financial markets and the citizens of the country, that your Government is doing everything it can to ensure that we are protecting our own environment by using cleaner energy,” he said.

Mr. Holness cited the environmental and economic benefits of using renewable energy, which include diversifying energy supply and reducing dependence on imported fuels as well as creating economic development and jobs in a wide variety of areas.

Paradise Park, a US$65-million investment, is the largest solar project in Jamaica. It is projected to significantly decrease the country’s dependence on fossil fuels, while helping the island to reach its sustainable development targets.

The solar farm is designed to supply 37 Megawatts of power.