LNG use in Jamaica creates market opportunity for GE

With half of Jamaica’s electricity generation infrastructure more than 30 years old, the country is seeking ways to modernize its plants and decrease its oil dependency by diversifying its energy mix. GE’s Power Services business has signed an agreement with the integrated electric utility company,Jamaica Public Service Company, Limited (JPS), to modernize its generation equipment and provide its service expertise at the Bogue Power Station in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

“2016 marked a turning point for Jamaica. After more than a decade of preparation and planning, natural gas was finally introduced into the fuel mix for electricity generation in the country, and as the sole distributor of electricity in Jamaica, we see the use of liquified natural gas (LNG) as resulting in greater stability in the price of electricity for our customers,” said Joseph Williams, senior vice president of generation, JPS. “By replacing a 19-year old unit with GE’s advanced aeroderivative technology, we will be able to deliver more efficient power to our people, businesses and critical facilities. Providing sufficient, efficient and reliable power to our customers is essential, as it helps to improve lives and drive development.”

JPS, with responsibility for generation, transmission and distribution on the island, recently introduced LNG into its fuel mix. This began with the dual-fuel conversion of its 120-megawatt (MW) combined-cycle Bogue Power Station. Now, with the installation of one of GE’s LM2500+ aeroderivative gas turbines at the Bogue plant, LNG-fueled generation will contribute up to approximately 15 percent of JPS’ total power production. This will result in both environmental and financial benefits, including improved operations and maintenance costs.

Repowering with GE’s LM2500+ aeroderivative gas turbine package will enable a power output increase of 20 megawatts (MW) at the plant, which will positively impact service reliability on the island. In addition to the unit, GE will provide associated installation services as well as inspection services to the existing Brush generator. The LM2500+ product family has been a proven technology for decades and has achieved more than 90 million operating hours with more than 2,100 units deployed globally.

Over the years, GE has provided support at JPS’ Bogue, Old Harbour and Hunt’s Bay power stations. Recent projects include the addition of an inlet cooling system at the Bogue facility (in 2008) and a dual-fuel conversion at the power station (in 2016). The utility owns and operates four power stations, nine hydroelectric plants, 43 substations and approximately 14,000 kilometers of transmission and distribution lines.

This latest upgrade project is expected to be complete within the first half of 2018.