Name and Location
St Elizabeth Parish wind farm project, Jamaica.

Client
BMR Jamaica Wind, a subsidiary of BMR Energy.

Project Description
The project will comprise the construction of eleven 3.3 MW turbines, with tower heights of 86 m each and blade diameters of 112 m; a substation; an interconnection upgrade at Jamaica Public Service’s (JPS’s) existing Spur Tree substation; construction of a new estimated 18 km, 69 kV transmission line; and site access roads.

The proposed transmission line will be about 18 km long and require placement of 155 treated wooden poles able to carry a single conductor.

The line will have a 22-m-wide right of way where clearing is required and an 11-m-wide right of way along roadways and areas that require minimal clearing. In addition, a temporary laydown area will be established to store materials and parts during construction.

The power plant is expected to produce an estimated 122 GWh/y, which will be sold under a 20-year power purchase agreement to the sector’s sole utility, JPS.

According to BMR’s calculations, the output of the plant will cut oil imports by 250 000 bbl/y to 300 000 bbl/y, which will reduce Jamaica’s oil costs by $25-million a year.

Value
The cost of the project is estimated at $90-million.

Duration
Construction is slated to start in the fourth quarter of 2014, with operations starting in mid-2015.

Latest Developments
BMR Jamaica signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with JPS on June 24 for the output of the facility.

Under the terms of the deal, JPS also has the option to buy a 20% interest in the project.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Vestas (engineering, procurement and construction contract).

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
BMR Energy, tel + 1 212 453 6733 or email blevy@bmrenergy.com.
Vestas, tel +45 97 30 00 00.