American Producer Considers Building Major Biodiesel Plant in Jamaica
One of America’s largest producers of biodiesel fuel HERO BX is seriously considering constructing a major biodiesel plant in Jamaica.
The plant would be the Caribbean’s first commercial scale biodiesel plant.
Representatives from the firm have reportedly been visiting the island since the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) “Jamaica Investment Forum” earlier this year, and have been meeting with various government and private sector stakeholders with serious interest in confirming the project.
The plant would be a boost for Jamaica’s renewable energy programme and would have a multi-industry impact, as biodiesel uses feedstock such as waste oils from the Hospitality Industry and plant feedstock from the agricultural industry.
The investment would also be a significant source of employment and could empower the government to benefit from the sale of biodiesel produced on the island, which would operate as the hub of HERO BX’s Caribbean operations.
Glen F. Garth, native-born son of Jamaica and executive vice president of US consulting firm, Garth Solutions Inc., is representing HERO BX.
He said that Jamaica has received top billing for the development of the plant due to the country’s strategic location, amongst other factors.
“The location of Jamaica strategically in the Caribbean basin, the access to a quality, educated labour force, the access to all of the benefits that are available due to commitments made by the Jamaican government to encourage foreign direct investment are all factors. Those attributes are what first attracted our attention and have further strengthened our interest in siting a biodiesel hub in Jamaica,” he said.
Source: The Gleaner