Vestas secures 36 MW order in Jamaica; project will become country’s largest wind farm

The order was placed by the U.S.-based project developer BMR Energy. The contract comprises the supply, installation and commissioning of the wind turbines as well as civil and electrical works for the construction on the project. An interconnection transmission line will be constructed separately by the local utility. Turbine delivery is planned for the third quarter of 2015, with commissioning expected in the first quarter of 2016. Upon completion, the BMR Jamaica project will be Jamaica’s largest wind farm.

The Caribbean region is heavily dependent on fossil fuels for power generation and thus much affected by the fluctuating prices and pollution that result. The BMR Jamaica wind project has an estimated gross annual production of more than 120 GWh, which corresponds to an annual emission saving of 85,400 tons of CO2. Once completed, this wind power plant will provide electricity to approximately 300,000 people in Jamaica.

“Jamaica is located in an area prone to hurricanes. Vestas’ long experience in wind technologies and different weather conditions make it an ideal partner for this project, which requires cutting-edge technology to guarantee the continuous and sustainable operation of the wind power plant at all times”, says Bruce Levy, President of BMR Energy.

“Having installed the first commercial wind generator in Jamaica in 1996 and completed the Wigton wind power plant in 2010, our customers benefit from Vestas’ experience undertaking wind projects in the country. Our wind turbines are well-suited to the tropical climate and are able to withstand the extreme wind conditions that can sometimes occur in the Caribbean”, says Marco Graziano, President of Vestas Mediterranean.