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VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica |
February 2017
24
T
he University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Jamaica) and the
PetroCaribe Development Fund (PCDF) on Tuesday, February 14, 2017
formalized collaborative arrangements under which the University has
been contracted by the PCDF to implement a renewable energy training
pilot project at the Glenmuir High School in Clarendon.
The pilot project is for a period of four months and involves installation of
a solar energy system and other infrastructural modifications, as well as
a training component which will guide the teachers and students about
best practices in energy management and efficiency. UTech, Jamaica
led by expertise in its School of Engineering, was selected by the PCDF
to undertake the training component involving the training of teachers and
students on energy management and efficiency. The Project comes as
part of the thrust by the University to provide consultancy services from
the professional expertise of its staff to a growing number of clients in the
public and private sector in Jamaica and across the Caribbean.
Speaking at the contract signing held at UTech, Jamaica’s Papine campus,
Dr. Wesley Hughes, CEO, PCDF explained that “PetroCaribe has as part of
its mandate, the promotion and use of alternate sources of energy and a
reduction in the use of fossil fuel based energy in public institutions.” He
pointed out that one of the major challenges faced by Jamaica over many
decades continues to be the high cost of energy which stifles business
competitiveness and “makes households poorer.” He asserted that there
is significant unrealized potential for sustainable energy gains which can
accrue from structured initiatives in support of renewable energy and
training. It is in this context that he shared that the PCDF has designed a
project to increase energy efficiency in schools. “We believe that students
at the high school level are ideal candidates for the implementation of a
project of this nature. PCDF believes that the multiplier effects are far-
reaching and diverse,” Dr. Hughes said, adding that “it is anticipated that
these students will in turn demonstrate, skills and the best practices learnt
within the school, at home and later in the workplace.”
Dr. Hughes noted that Glenmuir High School was selected for the pilot
project “primarily because the school demonstrated the capacity consistent
with the project requirements.” He added that the intention is to replicate
the project in other high schools across Jamaica after the pilot is tested at
Glenmuir.
President of the University, Prof. Stephen Vasciannie, in welcoming the
partnership, said that “UTech, Jamaica welcomes the project as a perfect
fit with the University’s thrust “towards leveraging our expertise, knowledge
and use of technology and innovation to impact the country’s development,”
adding that “the collaboration has all the markers of the UTech, Jamaica
brand and our commitment to building the three pillars of teaching, research
and service.”
Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computing, Dr. Nilza Aples
congratulated the Project team in the School of Engineering comprising
Dr. Noel Brown, Head, School of Engineering and Project Lead, Dr. Therese
Chambers, Lecturer/Project Training Specialist, Mr. Kirland Rowe, Lecturer/
Energy Manager, and Ms. Elecia Johnson, Administrator for the Project.
Pointing to UTech, Jamaica’s well established expertise in engineering
education and training, the Dean noted that the University has led a
number of similar energy training projects with other local and international
organisations and welcomed the continued opportunity to contribute to
Jamaica’s energy development.
Following the Glenmuir High School Pilot Project, the PetroCaribe
Development Fund intends to roll out the programme for renewable
energy use across many other schools in the country. In the Estimates
of Expenditure for the new financial year, 2017/18, the Government has
allocated $695 M for energy efficiency and energy conservation in the
public sector.
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
UTech, Jamaica signs Contract Agreement with PetroCaribe
Development Fund for Renewable Energy Training Project at
Glenmuir High School
Prof. Stephen Vasciannie, CD, (seated 3rd left) President, University of Technol-
ogy, Jamaica affixes his signature to a contract agreement with the PetroCaribe
Development Fund (PCDF) for the University to implement a renewable energy
training Project at Glenmuir High School, Clarendon. Participating in the contract
signing (seated from left) are Ms Shakiera Cowan, Client Relations Manager, PCDF,
Dr. Wesley Hughes, CEO, PCDF and Prof. Nilza Aples, Dean, Faculty of Engineering
and Computing, UTech, Jamaica. Standing from left are Miss Sheena Woodburn,
Research Assistant, PetroCaribe Development Fund, Dr. Therese Chambers,
Lecturer, School of Engineering and member of the Project team, Mr Kirkland
Rowe, Lecturer, School of Engineering and member of the Project team, Ms. Elecia
Johnson, Administrator for the Project, UTech, Jamaica, and Mr. Martin Henry,
Manager, Projects and Operations, School of Graduate Studies, Research and
Entrepreneurship, UTech, Jamaica.