Sangster International Airport to be 60% solar powered

Sangster International Airport (SIA) in Montego Bay, St James, through its ongoing Solar Implementation Project, is on track to be 60 per cent solar powered.

Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Daryl Vaz, made the disclosure in remarks read by President and CEO at the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ), Audley Deidrick, during an Airport Forum held at the facility on December 17.

“Having installed a three-megawatt solar plant, MBJ [Airports Limited] now is advancing with the installation of an additional three-megawatt solar plant. This phase of the project, which began in January of this year, is on track for completion by this month, December,” he stated.

“Once finalised, the combined solar energy capacity will reach six megawatts, meeting 60 per cent of SIA’s energy demand,” he added. 

The minister pointed out that this initiative demonstrates MBJ’s commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, setting a benchmark for environmental stewardship in the region.

“Through strategic investments and collaborative initiatives, MBJ has not only strengthened Jamaica's global connectivity but also bolstered economic growth by supporting tourism and trade,” he stated.

“The ministry remains steadfast in its partnership with MBJ, ensuring that SIA remains a beacon of excellence and a vital national asset. While we are proud of our 2024 accomplishments, I urge you to remain future-focused, investing in projects that will solidify SIA’s position as one of the Caribbean's premier airports,” Vaz added.

He pointed out that SIA is ideally positioned to leverage the growing demand for travel to the Caribbean, especially as travellers prioritise destinations celebrated for their vibrant culture and natural beauty.

“By embracing innovation and fostering strong partnerships, the airport is not only well-equipped to meet these evolving expectations but also to consistently exceed them, reinforcing its reputation as a premier gateway to Jamaica,” Vaz emphasised.

“The success of SIA would not be possible without the collaboration and dedication of numerous stakeholders, airline partners and tourism stakeholders, employees and service providers, government agencies, and our passengers,” the minister added.

He also commended CEO of MBJ Airports, Shane Munroe, and his team for their “exceptional management” of the facility, adding that over the years, MBJ has demonstrated unwavering commitment to delivering world-class service, continuously elevating the airport's infrastructure, safety standards, and passenger experience.

For his part, Munroe emphasised that the purpose of the Solar Implementation Project goes beyond energy efficiency.

“This project is not just about energy consumption and reducing costs but environmental benefits as well. Environmental sustainability is a huge focus here for the airport and reducing our carbon footprint is one of our focus areas. So eventually, we intend to get to about 60 per cent of our energy being from renewables, and we’re eventually able to get to net zero in the long term,” he informed.