Jamaica, the land of wood and water, is blessed with abundant natural resources, from all-round sunshine to gushing rivers and the steady winds that brush its shores. Yet, for many Jamaicans, the dream of harnessing these renewable resources to power their homes and businesses remains just that—a dream. As the cost of electricity continues to soar, and the impacts of climate change become more evident, people across the island are yearning for a green energy revolution.
To understand their dream, I travelled across communities in Portland, Kingston, and St. Catherine, speaking with Jamaicans from all walks of life about the dream of a day when their nightmarish electricity and fuel costs will be much lower. Their stories reveal a shared hope for a more sustainable future and the barriers they face in making that future a reality.
The desire for green energy
At the eastern end of the island, where lush vegetation and pristine rivers meet the azure Caribbean Sea, I spoke with Ronnette. Ronnette, who lives in the predominantly farming community of Portland, had some idea of what renewable energy is about. “My understanding of green energy (renewable energy) is not a lot, but I understand enough. It is from our natural resources—water, wind, and sunlight. It’s more sustainable than that of fossil fuels; it’s renewable and environmentally friendly. It’s much better for us, and it’s best if we depend on that than non-renewable energy”, she stated.
But, not everyone was as aware as Ronnette. While younger Jamaicans are often more familiar with green energy technologies, some in the older generations do not always understand how they work or why they are beneficial. This knowledge gap was evident when I spoke with Winston, a 65-year-old fisherman from Long Bay. “I hear people talk about solar and wind, but I don’t know how exactly it would help me”, Winston admitted. “If someone could show me how to use it, I’d consider it.”
It is evident that efforts to raise awareness about green energy must be intensified, particularly in rural areas. Workshops, media campaigns, and school programmes could help bridge the knowledge gap. Policymakers must also prioritise renewable energy in national development plans, setting ambitious, but achievable, targets for green energy adoption.
Like many others with whom we spoke, Ronnette doesn’t believe this kind of energy transition will take place any time soon. She is concerned that government corruption, red tape and other issues could derail efforts to have renewable energy making up half the electricity grid by the start of the next decade.
“Honestly, I don’t think Jamaica is doing enough, because the solar makeup is probably like between 4-7 per cent. Renewable energy is very, very low here in Jamaica. I don’t see a lot of people using solar. The government is talking about it, but they are not doing enough. I think I was reading something somewhere where the goal was to increase the share of renewable energy in the grid by 50 per cent by 2030. And I think, knowing my government, it is just going to be a talk, just talk about it. I don’t think it will happen. And I am not being cynical, it’s just that experience has taught me to not rely on anything my government has said that they want to do; and I think it is because non-renewable energy corporations will affect their bottom line”, she opined.
Jamaica is caught in an economic nightmare, especially as it relates to energy. The country imports over 80 per cent of its energy needs, spending significant foreign exchange on oil. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels leaves the nation vulnerable to global price fluctuations, which severely impact manufacturing and other commercial activities. The people are eager to reduce their heavy reliance on the island’s costly and oil-dependent energy grid. Many believe that renewable energy could lower their electricity bills while also contributing to a cleaner environment.
“Every month, mi JPS bill high”, said Darren, a Kingston barber. “Solar or wind energy would be a game-changer, but mi nuh know if mi can afford the investment.”
Barriers to access
For most Jamaicans, affordability is the greatest barrier to accessing green energy. The upfront cost of solar panels, batteries, and installation is prohibitive, particularly for low-income households. Financing options are limited, and government subsidies, while available, are not widely known or easily accessible.
Stacy is a marketer who lives in an upscale community in Kingston. She too has been dreaming of a day when electricity costs will go down, as it would greatly improve her ability to deal with her day-to-day activities. “This will make me have more comfort in being able to use the appliances that I purchased. Many times, for example, you may buy a washer and a dryer, and you can’t use the dryer every day, and you just have to use it possibly when there is a lot of rain. The time is hot in the summer, you may just have to use the AC at nights, but (decided against that) because of the rates from JPS and the charges that go with it”, she noted.
But, for now, she, like many other Jamaicans, must awake every day to the prospect of high electricity bills. She believes the government can do more to make renewables like solar more accessible. “I think the biggest support is that the government should invest in it, where they bring in enough of those green energy solutions. And with them bringing in more, we would benefit from economies of scale and make it more affordable. I know now where the National Housing Trust has an option where you can get a loan from them to do solar, but you can barely pay your mortgage. So, to go back into another loan situation is too much”, she explained.
The local government ministry recently installed solar-powered streetlights in several neighbourhoods in Kingston, reducing electricity costs while improving safety. Many residents praised the initiative but expressed a desire for more widespread adoption, while others expressed concerns about the government’s ability to maintain them over time.
The environmental perspective
Beyond the financial benefits, many Jamaicans recognise the environmental importance of transitioning to green energy. With the island’s vulnerability to hurricanes and rising sea levels, the fight against climate change is becoming more and more personal. “I see how the weather has changed over the years”, said Sheila, a Portland farmer. “The rain doesn’t fall like it used to, and when it comes, it sometimes floods my crops. I know we need to take care of the environment, and using better energy could help. We need to change so many things happening in Jamaica right now, and both the government and the people must come together and do what is best so we can move forward”, she added.
Young Jamaicans are also vocal about the need for sustainable practices. On the streets of Kingston, I met Aaliyah, a 22-year-old who wants to study environmental science. “Our generation has to lead the way”, she said. “We can’t wait on the government or big companies. If we want a green Jamaica, we have to demand it and take action ourselves. We are the ones who will inherit a battered earth with poisoned air and water. We must do something. We have to come up with the ideas and the solutions and seek out those who want to truly help us”.
The way forward
As noted earlier, the Jamaican Government has committed to generating half of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The plan prioritises solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, tapping into the island’s abundant natural resources. This dream came closer to reality in November when two companies, Wigton Energy Limited and SunTerra Energy Jamaica Limited, were awarded the right to add up to 100 MW (megawatts) of solar energy to the national grid, following their successful bid with Generation Procurement Entity (GPE). Wigton Energy Limited, a subsidiary of the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ), is the largest wind energy facility in the English-speaking Caribbean.
The nation is ready to make its green dream a reality but is in need of support to make that change possible. To bring the dream to life, it will need to address several key issues. Government and private sector initiatives should focus on making renewable energy technologies more affordable and accessible. This could include expanded subsidies, low-interest loans, and community-based projects. It is clear that the push for renewable energy is growing stronger every day. Jamaicans share a common vision of a greener, more sustainable future, whether driven by financial necessity, environmental concern, or a desire for self-reliance. “The dream is real,” said Darren, the Kingston barber. “We just need help to make it come true.”
Right now, Jamaica stands at a crossroads, with the potential to become a leader in renewable energy in the Caribbean. The island can turn its green dream into a lasting reality by empowering its people and breaking down the barriers to green energy.
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This story was originally published by Monitor Tribune, with the support of Climate Tracker Caribbean’s Energy Transition Media Mentorship.
