Jamaica’s Government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) to advance the adoption of nuclear technologies in Jamaica. Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness said the partnership reflects the Government’s unwavering commitment to diversify the country’s energy portfolio with new, clean and sustainable alternatives.
“[It] marks a pivotal moment in Jamaica’s energy transformation as we take a bold and forward-thinking step by signing this Memorandum of Understanding. This move is about reducing your cost of living, a major part of it being the cost of energy,” he stated.
He added that countries such as Canada and France are using nuclear power as a potential solution to energy issues and climate change in a safe and effective manner. He noted that France generates approximately 68% of its electricity from nuclear power and that nuclear accounts for 15% of Canada’s energy output. He said Canada is also known for maintaining uncompromising nuclear standards.
“These examples show that with proper regulation of the technology and the embrace of technological advancement, nuclear can be a game changer. In fact, today’s nuclear technology, especially small modular reactors, is far safer and more adaptable than it was in the past.”
He noted that small modular nuclear reactors offer enhanced safety features, reduced environmental impact and a cost-effective solution for small countries like Jamaica. He suggested that taking advantage of the technology, which is rapidly developing, will provide long-term benefits for Jamaica over time.
“Of course, there are those who are going to say, why not wait until this technology is mature. The problem is that anything that has to do with nuclear requires a long period of time and it requires the development of local capabilities. If you don’t do it now, then not only will you have to import the capital and the actual small modular nuclear reactor, you’re going to have to import the technological skills and expertise as well, which will increase the cost of deployment. So Jamaica has to see what is going to come in the future.”
As to safety, Dr Holness pointed out that the technology has advanced over the years, noting that modern nuclear reactors are designed with fail-safe mechanisms that significantly reduce the risk of accidents. “We know that safety is at the forefront of everyone’s minds when it comes to nuclear energy, and rightly so. But I want to emphasise that nuclear energy today is not what it was even a decade ago. For modern nuclear reactors, particularly small modular nuclear, we know that some of the designs shut down automatically.”
He added that, as part of the exploration, work will be undertaken with global experts to ensure that every aspect of nuclear energy, particularly waste management, is handled with the highest international standards. “Countries like Finland and Sweden have developed world-class systems for safety in terms of storing nuclear waste, and we will draw on their experience to ensure that Jamaica follows the best practices for protecting the environment and our people,” he stated.
The Prime Minister pointed out that Jamaica’s journey with nuclear technology began in 1984 with the establishment of the Caribbean’s first and only nuclear reactor at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, with European Union (EU) support. The facility, operated by the International Centre for Environmental & Nuclear Science (ICENS) uses the Jamaican Safe Low Power Critical Experiment (SLOWPOKE-2) nuclear reactor to aid in research and national development initiatives. The 20kW, Canadian-designed reactor is used for neutron activation analysis research, which has applications in environmental, agricultural and health-related studies. Jamaica also in 2022 launched its first public nuclear medicine centre in the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston.
Meanwhile, Dr Holness affirmed that the Government is taking a comprehensive approach to diversifying Jamaica’s energy security. He noted that 85% of Jamaica’s energy is derived from fossil fuels, describing this as, “a dependency that leaves us vulnerable to external shocks and global oil and natural gas price fluctuations”.
He added: “We have already made great strides in diversifying our energy mix. We have done exceptionally well in integrating solar, wind and natural gas and we do have some hydroelectric power… but there is far more to be done. Given Jamaica’s current energy demands, we are cognisant that there has to be a very well-thought-out mix… that is not subject to intermittency, and nuclear offers that as well.” He indicated that Jamaica is also exploring the development of pumped hydro storage and waste to energy alternatives for power generation.
Meanwhile, Minister of Science, Energy Telecommunications & Transport, Daryl Vaz, said a key aspect of the agreement is the exchange of scientists, engineers and other specialists. “This collaboration will foster the sharing of knowledge, skills and best practices, driving innovation in research, development and practical applications,”he noted. “Together we will build out a network of expertise that will benefit both Jamaica and Canada. Through organised seminars and meetings, we will ensure that our professionals remain at the forefront of nuclear technology and its peaceful applications.” he said.
Jack Craig, CNL President & CEO said the MOU was a “first step” towards a road map that now paves the way for the Government and its Canadian partners to start “fleshing out” the direction the country will go with nuclear power. This includes providing training for Jamaicans to work in a nuclear industry that goes beyond power generation and include areas such as applying the technology to strengthening the country’s resilience to climate change through applications in agriculture, water management, and environmental monitoring.
