KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) will this week launch its hybrid energy storage solution at a ground breaking event at the Hunts Bay Power Plant Substation.  

According to JPS, the facility, which will help secure grid stability and improve reliability, will be the first of its kind in the Caribbean and one of the largest facilities being installed in the world this year.

The project will be constructed at a cost of US$21.6 million or J$2.7 billion.

The energy storage solution, JPS explained, will have power readily available in the event that solar and wind renewable systems suddenly lose power due to cloud cover, reduced wind or other interruptions.

The project involves constructing a 24.5 Megawatt facility; which will be a combination of low speed flywheels and containerised lithium-Ion batteries.

This initiative will also provide a much faster, cost effective and environmentally friendly spinning reserve (or back-up) as an alternative to traditional generation spinning reserve,” the JPS stated.

President and CEO, Emanuel DaRosa noted that this is one of the most significant projects to be undertaken by JPS this year.  

“This project will be a model for other countries in the Caribbean and even outside of this region.  Being able to respond flexibly to the changes in generation demand and supply, will redound to a meaningful improvement in the quality of customer service experienced across the board,” said DaRosa.

JPS further noted that preparation works have already commenced, including soil tests and site surveys as the project is slated for completion by April 2019.