As a follow-up to our previous post on 10 Powerful Women Leading the Sustainability Movement, here is another article by James Ellsmoor (Forbes). He writes about some of the businesses championing sustainable energy for Jamaica. He features Kimroy Bailey (Founder of Kimroy Bailey Group), Shelly-Ann Dinnall (Farmer at Jamaica Broilers Group), Sean Hinds (CEO of Radiant Energy), Nathaniel Peat (Co-Founder of GeNNex Elite), Jason Robinson (CEO of Solar Buzz Jamaica), and Suzanne Shaw (Co-Founder Leap Impact Investment Fund). For detailed descriptions of their businesses and contributions, see Ellsmoor’s article at Forbes.

Jamaica is ideally suited for using renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. The islands are bathed in sunlight with strong winds, providing many opportunities for renewables. Yet the island still depends on expensive, imported fossil fuels that mean Jamaicans have to deal with some of the highest electricity costs in the world . However, things are changing quickly and the government has committed to 50% renewable energy by 2030.

Climate change presents big challenges for the Caribbean. In Puerto Rico, the islands were devastated by the hurricanes of 2017, and many were without power for months. Adopting renewable energy can reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Even more importantly for Jamaica, which emits just 0.02% of global emissions, renewable energy can help adapt to a changing climate and benefit the local economy. By going green, Jamaica can also become more resilient.

The energy transition is happening slowly but surely, and it seems taking advantage of renewable energy could bring a prosperous future for the island. There are many Jamaicans promoting the benefits of renewable energy for their island and these are just a few entrepreneurs working in the private sector. Meet some of the businesses championing sustainable energy for the island.

James Ellsmoor is a Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur, dedicated to his passion for sustainable development and renewable energy. James is Co-Founder and Director of Solar Head of State, an international nonprofit working with governments in the Caribbean and Pacific islands to raise awareness of renewable energy through high-profile solar installations and associated publicity campaigns. (Read more here.)

For the detailed descriptions of these businesses, see https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesellsmoor/2019/02/07/jamaican-renewable-energy-entrepreneurs/#48965b1c6d4a