The Caymanas Economic Free Zone (CEFZ) may evolve into a larger industrial space, which would include the Kingston Port and which would run on its own electricity, should what is now a concept turn into reality.

Investment and Commerce minister, Dr.Christoher Tufton, revealed that preliminary discussions on developing an “economic free zone with a stand alone efficient energy supply” have already begun, but emphasised that it is only at an “exploratory phase”.

“Part of the challenge of such an economic zone would be the existing JPS contract,” Tufton told Caribbean Business Report. “At some point, we have to engage in dialogue around this issue.”

In the meantime, Tufton’s ministry has engaged a small team, which includes Professor Gordon Shirley (a former JPS executive and current principal of the University of the West Indies), to look at the possibility of creating a co-generation facility — a electricity generating plant that accommodates the use of steam used to drive its turbines for other processes — that would be owned its users.

“There is the possibility to have the users of the facility to be shared owners of the facility,” he said.

Importantly, such a facility would not only make feasible non-traditional manufacturing, such as recycling plastics and rubbers as well as reassembly and auto repair, but would maximise the efficiency of the port facility in Kingston “both to complement and compete with the Panama Canal”.

“Such a facility would be a major economic player and would clearly be a major job creator,” Tufton asserted.

Presently, CEFZ plan involves developing 500 acres of land adjacent to Highway 2000 and in close proximity to the Kingston Port, into an industrialized zone, based along the lines of the Chinese Development Zone model.

The industries, or clusters under consideration include: electronics assembly, agro-proccessing, ICT and pharmaceuticals, among other areas.

Tufton said he intends to visit a similar facility that already exists in China, which generates its own electricity.

“It is important to note that it is still a concept and is very ambitious,” Tufton added. “(However), we certainly intend to pursue it further to see how it can work.”