The Cabinet of Jamaica has approved the procurement of 480MW of power, incorporating natural gas, to boost the country’s energy capacity.

The plan calls for the construction of a 360MW plant by 2014 and the construction of an additional 120MW plant by 2016, both estimated to cost $632m.

The base plan will also entail the displacement of units four, five and six, according to Minister of Information, Telecommunications and Special Projects Daryl Vaz.

The additional procurement was processed through limited tender procurement methodology.