Uruguay has one of the world's largest dams which it shares with Argentina.
The dam generates 1890 MW. Of electricity. To put that into perspective, in 2023 Jamaica had 1042 MW installed.
And that is just one of four hydro electric power dams in Uruguay which allows that country to export its surplus energy.
Uruguay is also geographically situated in latitude closer to where westerly trade winds will be generated more abundantly from Highs due to tight wind gradients with low pressure systems often located further away from 18 degree latitude for both north and southern hemispheric regions of our planet.
Jamaica doesn't have such abundance in reliable renewable sources per energy. The article isn't an honest one. It doesn't seem to appreciate the potency of fossil fuels, for industry and commerce. Even the transportation sector will suffer high costs over time or higher subsides with higher taxation thus higher costs of living.

I was waiting for you, deep-pocketed VX Truth. The major point you made about Uruguay's dams is correct—I concede that part easily. But what about Costa Rica? Like Jamaica, it is a "land of wood and water," with a population nearly twice that of Jamaica and a population density of 102 people per square kilometer, compared to ours of 277 people per square kilometer. Here is my clear "never call SMR nuclear green or clean" rebuttal of your specious arguments:
Costa Rica's energy mix is notable for its heavy reliance on renewable energy sources. As of 2023, the country continued its commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation, with the following breakdown in its energy generation:

•Hydropower: Approximately 66% of Costa Rica's electricity came from hydropower. The country's numerous rivers and significant rainfall contribute to the viability of this energy source, making it the backbone of Costa Rica's energy mix. {Wag Water, Rio Cobre, Rio Grande, Rio Minho, Rio Bueno, Back Rio Grande, Martha Brae, Buff Bay River, Plantain Garden, Cabarita, Spanish River, Swift River, Hector's River, and Dunn's River (BY NIGHT, BYNIGHT, BY NIGHT) are not yet in Costa Rica, sham name VX truth}
There's more>>>

Thr article:
"Jamaica can and should follow in these footsteps. With abundant sunshine, wind resources, and biomass potential, there is no shortage of renewable energy options for the island to explore. "

Here are some interesting factoids.
In order to produce a minimum 200 MW power plant. At least 1,400 Acres will be needed. Over 400,000 solar panels potentially.
Capable of supplying 100,000 households.
1,400 acre in perspective is approximately 6.9 NWC
Soap berry waste water plants in area.
Soap berry water plant is approximately 202.9 Acres or perimeter of 2.24 miles, give or take. Where will enough land be found to make these mini grids be profitable ?
Noe sure you can always copper out by saying well your article dud not give specifics on size or amount of PV panels.

And for your information Costa Rica has 1% in solar power, installation. Majority is in Hydro or geothermal sources which produces lion share of its ELECTRICITY production. Not energy. As there is a difference.

Costa Rica gdp per capita is lower than the Bahamas and Barbados. So if greater productivity is your goal, like in your last column, why didn't you use is those countries? Or China etc? Please show one country that escaped the middle-income trap with alternative energy?

And
"The call for a government-owned electricity grid in Jamaica is a logical extension of the push for renewable energy."
This is a horrible idea, which repeats the past but, false utopian dream.
Anyone old enough to remember when JPS.co was owned and operated by Jamaican Government will remember the days of rolling black outs, and no amount of renewable energy will quickly put to bed political expediency or stop the slackness per scandals such as Cuban light bulb....
and lastly, the writer like so many others fails miserably to say why Jamaica has an electricity monopoly.

"One of the most exciting aspects of this proposal is the opportunity to open up the energy market to multiple renewable energy providers. By breaking the JPS monopoly and allowing for competition, Jamaica could spur innovation in the energy sector."
The only problem with that, is sustainable profit margins from limited avaible customer base. Either the masses will be discouraged from having their own, roof top PVs and thus subsidies given to renewable energy providers or subsidies given to maintain profitability and the customer PAYS regardless.
Unless this writer expects pure egalitarianism which means, a promise to fool, about lower prices in electricity.

More certainty, as promised:

Costa Rica's Energy Revolution: A Lesson for Jamaica

Costa Rica, a tropical paradise sometimes overshadowed by its smaller neighbor, Jamaica in athletic sports, has quietly become a renewable energy powerhouse. The country boasts a more affordable electricity rate than several oil and natural gas-rich nations in the region, a testament to its commitment to sustainable renewable energy sources.

Rooftop Solar: A Common Sight

A quick glance at Costa Rica's urban landscape reveals a tapestry of rooftop solar panels. This widespread adoption of photovoltaic systems is a stark contrast to the relatively slow progress in Jamaica. A simple online search for "Images of Rooftop Photo Voltaics in Costa Rica" will provide a visual feast of solar-powered homes and businesses.

Beyond Solar: A Diverse Energy Mix

Costa Rica's energy portfolio is impressively diverse. Wind energy accounts for approximately 16% of its electricity generation, thanks to the country's coastal winds. Geothermal power, harnessing the heat from the earth, contributes around 13%. Biomass and solar energy together make up approximately 4% of the electricity generation. But Costa Ricans are busy remedying that scenario too.

A Fossil-Free Future

Remarkably, fossil fuel-based generation constitutes less than 1% of Costa Rica's energy mix. This dramatic shift away from non-renewable sources highlights the country's dedication to environmental sustainability.

A Model for the Region

Costa Rica's energy strategy serves as a shining example for other Caribbean nations, including Jamaica. Its former president, Oscar Arias Sánchez, a Nobel Laureate, championed sustainability through renewables and successfully led his country on a path toward carbon neutrality.

A Call to Action

While Jamaica possesses similar renewable energy potential, it's time to accelerate efforts to decisively transition away from fossil fuels. By learning from Costa Rica's success, Jamaica can position itself as a leader in sustainable development and energy independence.

There is no such thing, as a fossil free future, unless the country pivots to NUCLEAR POWER !
I'll leave you with a snippet from DW.
"As well as the issues affecting Germany's auto sector, Palmas spoke of a "permanent loss of production capacity in energy-intensive industry" since the 2022 energy crisis, fueled by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Capital Economics expects the industrial sector's share of Germany's GDP to "continue to decline in the coming decade."

Germany today is suffering in two fronts. Fear mongering in.shitting down nuclear power plants, and Foolishness idea of relying on Russian supply of cheap GAS.
Hence it's slump to become the weak economic outlook in Europe.
You see, in times of prosperity there will always be some air heads, who are out of touch with reality. Jamaica needs every opportunity per electricity and energy sources, and not what is determined by out of touch bureaucrats.

VXtruth,
I appreciate your perspective as a beautifully "acquisitive person", but I must gently correct some of the glaring inaccuracies in your two last posts replying to me regarding Costa Rica's energy mix.

As of 2022-2023, Costa Rica derived over 98% of its electricity from renewable sources, with no need at all for nuclear power.
The detailed breakdown is:
Hydropower: 69-74%
Wind: 12-15%
Geothermal: 11-13%
Biomass: ~1%
Solar: 0.5-1%
Fossil fuels account for only 1-2% of electricity generation, used mainly as backup. Costa Rica has achieved this renewable mix through just two decades of intentional policy and investment.
Regarding your comments about bureaucrats, I should clarify that throughout my long career, I've spent at most 3 years total in two government roles. The vast majority of my work has been as an international consultant and innovator from and in the private sector plus UNIDO, OAS, Jamaica Broilers, Jamaica Observer, CARICOM, UNESCO, Newport Mills, PEMEX/IMP, Bodles, PhillEc, in China, Etc.

Bureaucrats? No! Only one of us was ever so elevated.

While I agree energy security is crucial, Costa Rica demonstrates that a nearly fossil-free electricity system is achievable with the right resources and policies.

Instrumentation and controls by smart means have come a long way, old rich boy.

CR's success with renewables provides valuable lessons, even as other countries may require different energy mixes based on their unique circumstances.
I encourage you to verify energy statistics from reliable sources to ensure accuracy in these important discussions for our beloved Jamaica's sake.
Sincerely,
Now first of 10 from
Verde Siempre

PS: What is your true name? We want to console someone for alleged Games of Guptaing and Acquiring the GOJ in plain sight.
User names are so inconvenient at this point!

My point,wasn't misleading.
To add emphasis. Not all renewable sources, of electrical power are equal.
Costa Rica, obviously is blessed with abundant hydro and volcanic activities (geothermal hot springs) to produce said reality of 98% renewable energy.

Jamaica, not so much.
Solar and wind are not consistent as well as how much spend on subsidies as well as batteries.
These two, wind and solar should not be forced onto the nation as great sources as two, alternatives to fossil fuels.
Instead, a more pragmatic approach is necessary.

Focus on harnessing as much hydro power that is available to the national grid. Commission study on how geothermal sources are available in St. Thomas all the while ensuring that businesses get maximum tax write offs for solar energy implementation.
Residents should be encourage with a more ambitious and aggressive tax policies for write offs on their land taxes or any other incentives.

Solar and wind will ensure Jamaica gets wallopped in trade from T&T. As Jamaican manufacturing and industrial users badly need cheaper sources of energy. Which means we either say good by to competitive industrial and commercial activities for a more expensive price in electricity production per your article.

Jamaica should rebuke the green energy crusade. As a nation if we go with wind turbines and solar panels the first Category1 hurricane that passes near to us will leave the country in darkness. Fossil fuels have been reliable, efficient and cost effective why change due to unfounded fear based mostly on emotions not so much proven science. 20 years ago they told us oil and gas are finite a few year later hundreds of deposits have been discovered. At another time they claimed that fossil fuels are the cause of global warming but records show that the world has experience far higher temperatures prior to the discovery of oil. The modern world as we know it cannot exist without oil and gas.

Mark, your concerns about green energy in Jamaica are understandable but rather misguided. Modern renewable energy systems are engineered to withstand extreme weather, including hurricanes. Many wind power turbines can operate in the wake of exposure to sustained winds up to 156 mph (Category 3), while solar farms often fare better than other structures during storms because foundations and automatically adjustable surface pitch are adequately engineered. Green energy harvesters can tolerably survive up to Cat. 5s even offshore. Like oil and gas platforms off the coasts of Mexico, the US, the UK, Vietnam, Japan, China, and the Philippines, offshore wind structures meeting , say, IEC 61400-1 US standards do just fine, friend.

Fossil fuels aren't as reliable or cost-effective as you claim. Jamaica, heavily dependent on imported oil, faces energy insecurity and price volatility. Renewable energy offers a path to energy independence and price stability.
The science behind climate change is well-established, not "unfounded fear." While new oil deposits have been found, this doesn't negate the urgent need to transition to cleaner energy sources. The rate of global temperature increase since the Industrial Revolution is unprecedented in Earth's recorded history.
You're right that the world currently relies heavily on fossil fuels, but this is precisely why we need to transition. Jamaica, vulnerable to climate change impacts like runaway room temperatures and humidity, sea-level rise and increased hurricane intensity, has much to gain from leading in renewable energy adoption.
Jamaica's National Energy Policy aims for at least 50% renewable energy by 2030. This modest goal isn't just about reducing emissions; it's about energy security, economic opportunities, and resilience. With proper planning and implementation, a diversified energy mix including renewables can make Jamaica's power grid more robust, not less.

Let's embrace progress and work towards a sustainable energy future that benefits all Jamaicans.

Thanks for reminding about the moderns feats in building in some resilience into wind and solar plants particularly hurricanes, I grant you that. Where we disagree is preferred source for baseload generation. The idea of replacing fossil fuels with renewables simply is just not practical or sensible given the carbon input that goes into the manufacture of solar panels and the components of wind turbines. I am all for a good energy mix but not full replacement as intimated by some on a scale that could negatively impact our means of production and industry. Why would the average person switch from a gas to an electric vehicle given the costs and impracticality. If Green technology was so cheap and economical why does it need subsidy? There is certainly no urgent need to transition away oil and gas otherwise those preaching adoption would no longer fly in planes, drive around in gas powered vehicles and would stop using plastics, eating fertilized foods and using millions of products derived from the energy produced by fossil fuels. As for global temperatures and its attribution to fossil fuels; is hardly convincing given that the most abundant greenhouse gas is water vapor accounting for over 75% of the atmosphere compared to 0.04% carbon the "kryptonite" of climate crusaders. Government policy emanates from "blind leading blind" so I place little conviction in anything from those who do not suffer the consequences of the decisions they make that affects us in the worse way. When we do not make anything we will always be dependent. Maybe we should spend the time and focus on this new phenomena called the "Saharan Dust"; could this be a reason for the warming. I don't know dust to be white in color.

Mark, I understand your skepticism, but there are a few points that need clarification. While it's true that manufacturing solar panels and wind turbines requires energy, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial carbon input. Once operational, these systems produce clean energy for decades with minimal emissions, making them a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Subsidies for green technology are not an indication of inefficiency; they’re strategic investments to spur innovation and adoption, much like how the fossil fuel industry has received subsidies for decades. The argument about water vapor being the most abundant greenhouse gas is often used out of context. While it’s true, the concentration of carbon dioxide, let alone, metane—though lower—have a vastly more significant long-term impact on global temperatures. Transitioning to renewables isn’t about eliminating fossil fuels overnight, but creating a balanced, resilient energy future.
Ent?

Price instability isn't the fault of fossil fuels but bad government policies. Unsound money and monetization of the debt. You are misleading your readers.

So youre looking to the same inefficient and wasteful government we've had for decades, who only see things in short term election cycles, to centrally plan a green economy?

Governments are not stupid; They know that if they go green they will certainly lose elected office. Green Energy is a fad...civilization cannot run without good ole fossil fuels. We recently had hurricane Beryl, a minor weather system, and it took weeks for people to get back power. Can you imagine how much more pressure the government would be under if the generation source (solar panels and windmills) was blown away/damaged as well?