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The Jamaica Public Service Company Ltd. (JPS), is reporting that the first of four wind turbines for their Wind Power Plant at Munro in St. Elizabeth, has now been erected. The other three turbines will be erected during this month, while construction continues on the Power Plant's substation. The project, which is costing the utility approximately J$800M, will add 3 megawatts of power to the national grid.

Manager of Expansion Projects, Alston Watson explained that a South Korean Wind turbine manufacturer - UNISON - was contracted to carry out detailed engineering, procurement of equipment, and construction of the wind farm together with local sub-contractors. He noted that these wind turbines utilize the most modern wind turbine technology and are cost effective to maintain and designed to withstand category 5 hurricanes.

The project has resulted in employment for scores of local workers in road widening activities, civil and electrical works and construction activities.

Vice President of Generation Expansion at JPS, Mr. Valentine Fagan, notes that "This is the first JPS owned wind plant which forms part of the company's commitment to provide the public with a secure and economic energy supply using a mix of renewable energy resources, such as wind and hydro power. This will be coupled with base load energy solutions, such as new LNG fuelled combined cycle plants, when LNG becomes available."

The construction of the wind power plant comes as part of the electric utility's fuel diversification effort, which will see a reduction in the Company's dependence on imported fuel.