Decarbonizing Power in Jamaica through Cleaner Fuels
Summary
In 2025, InterEnergy Group (IEG) committed to converting the West Kingston Power Partners and Doctor Bird 2 power plants in Kingston, Jamaica from heavy fuel oil to operate on natural gas by 2028, representing a total of 115 megawatts of installed capacity. IEG will enable the generation of approximately 907 gigawatt-hours of cleaner electricity per year—enough to supply more than 250,000 households (approximately 25% of all households in Jamaica) based on average national consumption of 300 kilowatt-hours per month while also decreasing costs. As a result, this commitment seeks to address the urgent need for energy sector decarbonization in the Caribbean while focusing on enhancing climate resilience and sustainability. IEG will contribute internal engineering, project management, and environmental compliance teams to support the project’s delivery. The company will also invest its own capital to finance the conversion, demonstrating long-term confidence in Jamaica’s energy transition.
Approach
InterEnergy Group (IEG) commits to converting the West Kingston Power Partners (WKPP) and Doctor Bird 2 (DB2) power plants from heavy fuel oil to operate on natural gas, representing a total of 115 MW of installed capacity, and a 46% of the IEG’s installed capacity heavy fuel oil power plants. This conversion supports Jamaica’s energy transition goals and represents a step toward reducing emissions.
IEG will enable the generation of approximately 907 gigawatt-hours of cleaner electricity per year—enough to supply over 250,000 Jamaican households based on average national consumption of 300 kWh per month. This represents around 25% of all Jamaica’s households and 26.78% of the population.
The conversion will result in a decrease in electricity prices for consumers. This commitment seeks to address the urgent need for energy sector decarbonization in the Caribbean, with a focus on enhancing climate resilience and sustainability.
The project will be implemented through collaboration with Wärtsilä, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) , which will provide specialized engineering support. Additionally, with over three decades of experience operating and modernizing power generation assets in Latin America and the Caribbean, IEG offers strong technical expertise in thermal plant conversions and sustainable energy infrastructure. IEG will contribute internal engineering, project management, and environmental compliance teams to support the project’s delivery. The company will also invest its own capital to finance the conversion, demonstrating long-term confidence in Jamaica’s energy transition.
This initiative reflects IEG’s commitment to lowering emissions, improving operational efficiency, and contributing to regional energy resilience. By leveraging internal capabilities and strong partnerships, IEG aims to deliver meaningful environmental and economic value through the successful transition of these key generation assets to natural gas.
Action Plan
InterEnergy Group (IEG) will carry out the conversion of the West Kingston Power Partners (WKPP) and Doctor Bird 2 (DB2) power plants to operate on natural gas through a structured, multi-phase approach designed to ensure technical integrity, regulatory alignment, and community engagement. The project aims to bring both plants into Commercial Operation (COD) by the first quarter of 2028.
2025: The project planning stage has commenced, with Wärtsilä determining that conversion is technically feasible.
2025-2026: Throughout the end of 2025 and 2026, IEG will negotiate key agreements and secure financing for the project.
2027: The execution phase will begin in the second quarter of 2027 with the procurement and installation of the necessary systems and equipment. Conversion works for both WKPP and DB2 will be carried out in parallel, with a focus on minimizing disruption to the national power supply.
2028: Commissioning and testing are scheduled for early 2028, followed by full commercial operation.
Through this action plan, IEG aims to deliver a successful transition that supports national decarbonization goals and strengthens the reliability of Jamaica’s power supply. IEG will work closely with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure alignment with national energy goals and maximize local economic impact, including job creation, training opportunities, and community-based engagement.
Background
Small island developing states (SIDS) in the Caribbean are among the most vulnerable regions in the world to the effects of climate change. Rising sea levels, stronger hurricanes, prolonged droughts, and increased coastal erosion are placing severe pressure on ecosystems, public infrastructure, and economic stability. Despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, countries like Jamaica must act decisively to build resilience and reduce their carbon footprint.
In particular, the energy sector in Jamaica, where electricity generation has traditionally relied on imported heavy fuel oil, needs to be decarbonized. Switching from heavy fuel oil to natural gas reduces COâ‚‚ emissions by up to 40%, while virtually eliminating sulfur dioxide (SOâ‚‚) and significantly lowering nitrogen oxides (NOâ‚“) and particulate matter.
Reducing the carbon intensity of power generation is essential for building a more sustainable, secure, and climate-resilient energy future for the Caribbean. By shifting to a lower-carbon fuel source, efforts will contribute to national and regional targets for emissions reduction and climate adaptation
Without meaningful interventions in the energy sector, Jamaica’s development gains remain at risk due to energy price volatility, supply disruptions, and exposure to climate-related shocks. A modernized, diversified power grid is also a prerequisite for attracting responsible investment, enabling green innovation, and supporting sectors like tourism, health, and education that depend on stable, affordable electricity. The challenge is not only environmental—it is deeply economic and social.
Progress Update
Partnership Opportunities
To maximize the impact of this commitment, InterEnergy Group (IEG) seeks support in two key areas: enhancing visibility for this transitional decarbonization effort and connecting with global partners who share a commitment to clean energy. Increased visibility will help demonstrate how practical, lower-carbon solutions can drive progress in small island developing states. IEG is particularly interested in engaging with organizations focused on energy innovation, resilience, and equitable development in the Caribbean. As the company moves from planning to implementation, CGI’s convening power and cross-sector network can be instrumental in scaling best practices and building momentum for broader regional energy transformation. With established technical expertise, internal project management capabilities, and strategic partnerships already in place, IEG is confident in its ability to deliver this commitment successfully.,Technical Expertise in Energy Transition: Over 30 years of experience converting and operating power generation assets across Latin America and the Caribbean. Deep knowledge in fuel switching, LNG integration, emissions reduction, and thermal plant modernization
Best Practices in Fuel Transition Projects Policy and Regulatory Insight: Experience working with Caribbean governments and regulators on aligning infrastructure projects with national climate and energy policies.
Operational Know-How in SIDS Context: Practical strategies for deploying cleaner energy solutions in small island developing states (SIDS) , considering logistical, financial, and resilience challenges.
Network of Public and Private Sector Allies: Connections between CGI members and energy stakeholders in the Caribbean (governments, utilities, OEMs, financial partners) .
Data Sharing and Progress Reporting: Results on emissions reductions, cost savings, and community outcomes to support benchmarking and knowledge exchange.