Tropical Sugar to invest $7.5b in cash-strapped sugar industry – Jamaica’s Agriculture Minister
Tropical Sugar Company Limited will invest US\$50 million (J\$7.5 billion) to revive Jamaica’s struggling sugar industry. The plan includes cultivating 12,500 acres and building a new factory in South Clarendon. The project, combining sugar production and renewable energy, aims to create 300 jobs and boost sustainability by supplying 7 MW of electricity to the national grid.
Jamaica’s cash-strapped sugar industry is to receive an injection of a US$50 million (J$7.5 billion) investment from Tropical Sugar Company Limited (TSCL).
The company will also begin construction of a new sugar factory starting in July.
Minister of Agriculture, Floyd Green made the announcement on Tuesday (May 27) during his contribution to the 2025/26 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives.
“These investors will be leading the restoration of sugar production in South Clarendon. Through an initial investment of US$50 million, TSCL has leased approximately 12,500 acres of land for sugarcane cultivation, with 27 acres dedicated to the construction of a new sugar factory and refinery,” Green told the House.
“This is a significant step forward, bringing much -needed revitalisation to our sugar industry and creating 300 direct job opportunities for the local communities,” he added.
TSCL is a “pioneering, sustainable sugar and renewable energy production company,” according to its website.
The company shares that it is “set to become a transformative force in Jamaica’s sugar and renewable energy sectors”. TSCL says it is strategically located on the Vere Plains of Clarendon and combines world-class sugar production with an innovative co-generation facility that converts sugarcane by-products into renewable energy.
“With a long-term lease on prime arable land from the Government of Jamaica, and close proximity to the JPS sub-station at Monymusk, our project is ideally positioned to support local agricultural development and energy sustainability,” the company said.
It also states that its state-of-the-art facility in Chesterfield will utilise sugarcane to produce premium sugar and export renewable power. “Using bagasse—the fiber left after extracting sugarcane juice – as a fuel source, our turbo generator will produce 12.50 megawatts (MW) of electricity, of which 7 MW will be supplied to the national grid via Jamaica Public Service (JPS). This dual-revenue model not only meets local sugar demand but also contributes to Jamaica’s renewable energy policy, ensuring economic and environmental benefits”.
According to TSCL, “Our co-generation project is a first-of-its-kind venture in Jamaica, demonstrating our commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions and positioning Jamaica as a leader in eco-friendly industrial innovation. Through this unique business model, we aim to deliver reliable energy, high-quality sugar, and long-term value for our community and stakeholders”.
To Read more about Sugar Industry continue reading Agriinsite.com
Source : Loop News
