Jamaica Energy Partners

8 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 10, ISSUE 2 JAMA I CA ENERGY PARTNERS energy transition underway. We acknowledge this disruptive but good transition as necessary for resiliency, energy security, and nation-building.” To this end, JEP has set up internal processes to model how the plant can convert its existing assets to gas. The company is also exploring renewable energy sources, gearing up to participate through a request for proposal with the government of Jamaica to bid on renewable assets as soon as those bids become available. “The other option we are looking at with renewals is an acquisition route. If we can buy into renewable assets, whether wind or solar, we are poised to do that too.” Making such big bets on renewables will come at no small cost. However, JEP’s commitment to renewables is resolute, and as McKenzie says, they are ready to make the necessary investments and foster the right strategic partnerships when the time is right. “Transitioning from fuel to clean and green will require the recapitalization of assets, including converting all three assets to gas.” “The other thing we are doing is seeking a suitable gas partner to import and transport the gas to where our assets are located. While there is a gas supplier in Jamaica, we are open to speaking with other suitable partners within the gas supply chain to see if they are interested in coming to Jamaica.” While the company shops around for a gas supplier, it continues to rely on its current partners to fulfill its core mandate. Its primary partner, as McKenzie explains, is not the typical partner one would consider. “Our biggest partner is the communities we work within. We operate in East Kingston and West Kingston, areas people consider volatile, yet we have had no issues.” “We also get tremendous support from the government of Jamaica. They keep us advised on policy direction and engage us