Written by Chantell Guthrie
President & CEO of Marubeni Power International, Mr. Daisuke Arai recently visited Jamaica and engaged in meaningful discussions with several stakeholders about Marubeni’s operations, plans for further investment in the local economy, and the overall development of Jamaica and its citizens.
Marubeni’s subsidiary is one of the majority shareholders of Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS). Since its acquisition, Marubeni through its ownership in the utility, has invested significantly in upgrading the grid as well as preparation for renewables integration. One such investment is the Hunts Bay Hybrid Energy Storage System. This system is a combination of 21.5 megawatts Lithium-ion battery and 3 megawatts Flywheel. The company is also in the process of installing 10 public EV Charging Stations.
Marubeni is also one of the majority owners of South Jamaica Power Centre (SJPC), the largest and most efficient power plant in Jamaica, with a total generation capacity of 194 megawatts. Since it started commercial operation in December 2019, SJPC has accelerated energy diversification in Jamaica.
Mr. Arai’s one-week trip included five courtesy calls with Government officials and heads of public and private sector organisations. He was accompanied by Mr. Mo Majeed – Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Marubeni Power International/Managing Director of Marubeni Caribbean Operations, and Mr. Keisuke Harada, Senior Manager of Caribbean Operations at Marubeni Power International.
On his visit to Senator Leslie Campbell, State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Mr Arai congratulated him and the Government and people of Jamaica on the celebration of their 60th Anniversary of Independence. Senator Campbell commented on the excellent relations between Jamaica and Japan. He expressed his appreciation for the continued investment of Marubeni and pledged the Government’s ongoing support.
The group visited Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) President Diane Edwards who assured the representatives that Marubeni was an important part of her presentations when discussing investment opportunities in Jamaica. Mr Arai noted that Marubeni is pursuing further investments, having committed their support 15 years ago and are now focused on environmentally friendly projects.
At the American Chamber of Commerce Jamaica (AMCHAM), the Marubeni team discussed Jamaica’s challenges and opportunities with President Ann-Dawn Young Sang and CEO Jodi-Ann Quarrie. The AMCHAM team was buoyant on US-Jamaica partnerships and assured Mr Arai of Jamaica’s great potential.
Mr. Arai and his team also met with the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) President John Mahfood, discussing energy usage and recycling in Jamaica. The visit ended on a positive note with Mr. Mahfood expressing his admiration for Marubeni’s operations and giving his commitment of partnership in any future endeavours on which Marubeni would like the JMEA’s collaboration.
The courtesy visits ended with Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ) Vice-Presidents Jacqueline Sharp and Adrian Stokes, who is also chair of the PSOJ Economic Committee. Mrs Sharp and Mr Stokes noted the PSOJ’s commitment to investor-friendly policy development and stated that they were in alignment with Marubeni’s focus on environmental sustainability.
Mr Arai expressed his appreciation for the interest of the stakeholders in Marubeni’s current operations and future plans. He noted that the private and public sector leadership was outstanding and augured well for Jamaica as an investor friendly country.
The Marubeni Corporation, founded in 1858 in Japan and incorporated in 1949, encompasses a diverse range of business activities, including lifestyle, ICT & real estate business, forest products, food, agri-business, chemicals, power business, energy, metals and mineral resources, plant, aerospace and ship, finance and leasing business, construction, auto and industrial machinery, and next generation business development.
Jamaica Highlights 