The Jamaica Renewable Energy Association executive team has welcomed the extension of the suspension of the Common External Tariff (CET) applied to lithium-ion batteries used in solar photovoltaic systems and other renewable apparatus.

The suspension of the CET on lithium-ion batteries were enforced earlier this year after the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) Council on Trade and Economic Development (COTED) reviewed an application from Jamaica for a waiver of the import tax. The application was submitted after a company in Barbados announced that it could supply the CARICOM market with lithium-ion batteries, but did not meet the rules of origin requirements.

Just last week the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce announced ahead of the February deadline for the extension that the CET suspension will be extended for another two years.

Responding to the announcement, CEO of SolarBuzz JamaicaJREA Vice-President Jason Robinson noted, “This measure will help accelerate our island’s transition to sustainable energy by making state-of-the-art storage solutions more affordable for businesses and households. As a result, Jamaicans will gain better access to consistent, clean power; local companies can invest in cutting-edge renewable technologies; and our economy will experience steady growth fueled by innovation, job creation, and an enhanced green energy infrastructure.”

“This forward-thinking approach ultimately benefits every Jamaican by building a more resilient, energy-secure future,” he continued.

The JREA vice-president expressed appreciation to Senator Aubyn Hill, Jamaica’s minister of industry, investment and commerce for leading the submission to COTED, as he worked alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport.

Robinson stated that Minister Hill’s work in advancing Jamaica’s renewable energy agenda has set a positive tone for further progress in the sector, “ensuring that Jamaica continues on its path toward a cleaner, more sustainable tomorrow”.