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Construction of LNG power plant at Jamalco to start December

Published:Wednesday | November 15, 2017 | 4:33 PM
Jamalco plant in Clarendon. - File

Mining Minister Mike Henry says construction of the 120 megawatt Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) power plant at the Jamalco bauxite refinery is to begin in a few weeks.

The mining minister made the announcement yesterday during a press conference to outline developments in the country's bauxite mining subsector.

Ground is to be broken in December for the LNG facility, which is to be built by the United State-based New Fortress Energy at a previously estimated cost of US$265 million.

It was previously stated that the LNG power plant at Jamalco would be built in two-phases, with total output placed at 200 megawatts when completed.

New Fortress Energy recently completed construction of the Bogue, St James LNG-powered electricity power plant for the Jamaica Public Service (JPS).

It is also set to build an LNG power plant for brewers Red Stripe.

Henry says Jamalco's conversion from expensive heavy fuel oil for energy generation to LNG will result in improved efficiency, reduced operating costs and increased profitability at the Clarendon-based refinery.

Meanwhile, the Mining Minister says JISCO will shortly begin building a 230 megawatt LNG power plant for its Alpart refinery at a cost of US$500 million.