Jamaica, Canada partnering to bring nuclear to island nation

The Jamaican government last week signed a memorandum of understanding with Atomic Energy of Canada and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories to bring nuclear power to the island nation.

Addressing the signing ceremony at Jamaica House on October 22, Prime Minister 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," he said. "This move is about reducing your cost of living, a major part of it being the cost of energy."

The partnership: A key aspect of the collaboration will be the exchange of scientists, engineers and other specialists between Jamaica and Canada, according to Daryl Vaz, minister of science, energy, telecommunications, and transport in Jamaica.

"[We will have] the sharing of knowledge, skills, and best practices, driving innovation in research, development, and practical applications," Vaz said. "Together we will build out a network of expertise that will benefit both Jamaica and Canada. Through organized seminars and meetings, we will ensure that our professionals remain at the forefront of nuclear technology and its peaceful applications."

Discussions between Canadian and Jamaican officials started last year.

"This event is a testament of the strong and enduring relationship between our nations," said Fred Demarker, president and chief executive for Atomic Energy of Canada.

Joining the global push: Holness pointed out the use of nuclear power in Canda and France, where the energy source accounts for 15 percent and 68 percent, respectively, of total national energy. He also applauded Canada's high nuclear safety standards.

"These examples show that with proper regulation of the technology and the embrace of technological advancement, nuclear can be a game changer," he said. "In fact, today's nuclear technology, especially small modular reactors, is far safer and more adaptable than it was in the past."

Currently, 85 percent of Jamaica's energy comes from fossil fuels, which Holness said leaves the country vulnerable to external shocks from fluctuating global oil and natural gas prices.

"We have already made great strides in diversifying our energy mix," he said. "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."

Bit of history: Jamaica's foray into nuclear technology actually began in 1984 with the establishment of the Caribbean's first and only nuclear reactor at the University of the West Indies at Mona, with European Union support.

The facility is operated by the International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Science (ICENS) and Holness said it has been a beacon of nuclear research for four decades, advancing studies in agriculture, health, and environmental protection.

Technology: Holness said the country is particularly interested in SMRs, which offer enhanced safety features, reduced environmental impact, and can be a cost-effective solution for small countries like Jamaica.

Taking advantage of the technology, which is rapidly developing, will provide long-term benefits for Jamaica over time, he said.

"We know that safety is at the forefront of everyone's minds when it comes to nuclear energy, and rightly so," he said. "But I want to emphasize 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."

Holness said that 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.