Media Center
NEWS RELEASES
Largest Hydro development in Jamaica in 50 years
January 30, 2012Originally Published on Dec 20 2011
The Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS), has taken another significant step towards the supply of more renewable energy to the people of Jamaica with the development of a new hydroelectric power plant in Maggotty, St. Elizabeth. The new plant will be sited beside the Company's current hydro plant in the parish and will represent the largest hydroelectric project undertaken in Jamaica since independence. The project took a significant step on Monday December 12, with the signing of a contract worth over US$26M with the well known Kier Construction Limited.
The Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS), has taken another significant step towards the supply of more renewable energy to the people of Jamaica with the development of a new hydroelectric power plant in Maggotty, St. Elizabeth. The new plant will be sited beside the Company's current hydro plant in the parish and will represent the largest hydroelectric project undertaken in Jamaica since independence. The project took a significant step on Monday December 12, with the signing of a contract worth over US$26M with the well known Kier Construction Limited.
Kier Construction Area Manager, Caribbean & South America, Steve Milner (far left) signs documents, while JPS Vice President of Generation Expansion Valentine Fagan (far right) does the same. Also participating in the signing ceremony are Kier Director, Tim Corrigan (2nd left), and JPS Chief Financial Controlller, Dan Theoc (2nd right), while JPS Chairman, Hisatsugu Hirai (standing) looks on. This development represents the largest hydro power development since independence.
Kier will now undertake the design, engineering and construction of the power plant which is expected to add 6.3MW of power to the national grid, while increasing JPS' fleet of hydroelectric power stations to nine. The project will also create employment for approximately 100 persons in the local community, during the construction phase.
Speaking at the signing, Chairman of JPS, Hisatsugu Hirai, expressed his enthusiasm for the new development. He noted that this second hydroelectric power station on the Maggotty River will bring to 4%, the contribution of renewable energy to the total energy output of the electric utility.
Director of Kier Construction, Tim Corrigan, in his reply, noted that his company has been working in Jamaica for over 50 years, helping to build the nation's infrastructure. He also reiterated his commitment to working with JPS, on the project which will see an increase in the Company's productive capacity.
Kier Director, Tim Corrigan (seated left) and JPS Chief Financial Officer, Dan Theoc sign the US$26M contract for the construction of the 2 nd Maggotty Hydroelectric Power Plant. Looking on are (standing left - right) Kier Area Manager, Caribbean & South America, Steve Milner and JPS Chairman, Hisatsugu Hirai.
