Jamaica is an island nation of the Greater Antilles, 234 kilometres (145 mi) in length and as much as 80 kilometres (50 mi) in width situated in the Caribbean Sea. It is about 145 kilometres (90 mi) south of Cuba, and 190 kilometres (120 mi) west of the island of Hispaniola, on which Haiti and the Dominican Republic are situated.

It is the third most populous anglophone country in North America, after the United States and Canada. It remains a Commonwealth realm.

Jamaica’s electrical power is produced by diesel (bunker oil) generators located in Old Harbour. Small hydroelectric plants are located on the White River, Rio Bueno, Morant River, Black River (Maggotty) and Roaring River.

A wind farm, owned by the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica, was established at Wigton, Manchester.

In November 2008, Jamaica launched its E10 blended gasoline to motorists.

MINISTRY OF ENERGY & MINING

Energy Division

The Energy Division of the Ministry oversees the functioning of the energy sector. It monitors energy supplies and the identification alternative energy sources, as well as energy conservation. The Division works with:

* The Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) in relation to petroleum and petroleum products.
* The Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPSCo) in connection with light and power.
* The Rural Electrification Programme (REP) regarding the supply of electricity to non-urban areas.

The Energy Division is involved with energy-related policy-making and policy implementation.
The following Agencies fall under the portfolio of the Energy Division:

* Electricity Authority
* Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica
* Petrojam Limited
* Petroleum Company of Jamaica
* Rural Electrification Programme
* Petrojam/Ethanol Company Limited
* Wigton Windfarm Limited

Some Achievements:

• -Draft National Energy Policy (2010-2030)
• -Draft Sub-Policies such as for Renewable Energy
• -Munro Wind Farm
• -Wigton Wind Farm
• -National Solar Water Heater Loans