Solamon Energy Announces Philanthropic Program

Solamon to launch annual renewables energy pitch contest for students. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) June 17, 2011 - Toronto - Solamon Energy is pleased to introduce an annual program to find the most talented young entrepreneurs in Jamaica focused on innovative solutions in the energy sector, including new wind and marine technologies. "Like people around the world, we found Jamaicans obsessed with solving their country's energy crisis," explains Jay Yeo, Solamon President. "Our CEO and SVP both reported Jamaicans are active on several levels and confident the answer lies in solar arrays."

Tentatively titled Power People, Solamon SVP Christian Giles will develop and launch the competition in Jamaica, in conjunction with Solamon SVP Ainsley Brown who will coordinate local media and sponsorships. At the championship event, July 2012, Solamon Energy will award The Solamon Cup and a cash prize to the winning team, as selected by a panel of qualified judges. Eventually, these winners will compete against teams from other countries, and a Grand Champion ultimately selected by popular vote.

With Jamaica's energy policy in place and its leaders firmly determined to execute, it is widely expected the country's vibrant manufacturing sector will turn their rooftops over to solar arrays, reducing costs and becoming more productive and competitive. With each solar array uniquely designed, this fact will increase the demand for new and innovative solutions as well.

"New technologies are introduced each day," states Yeo, "In terms of integrating new technologies, great ideas are singularly the most important reason we are launching the competition, and we're certain many more great ideas will be presented by the competitors each week."

The government of Jamaica is aiming to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels substantially by 2030 and renewable energy plants are expected to supply 20% of the country's electricity.

"With a competent distribution of 2MW arrays, we agree Jamaica can reduce its oil imports significantly," explains Yeo. "Yes, we need to be creative in switching economies to renewable source of energy, but also to properly insulate homes and businesses and not waste energy. We have been able to speak to many people in our recent visits and they are confident the sun should be powering their country.

"We will be working with many schools," adds Yeo, "drawing upon aspiring engineers and teaming them with marketing students to present in a competition how their idea will save the world. We think these pitches will make a great TV series and, from among the best of the idealists, perhaps we'll introduce a realist who flatly states how many marketing dollars would be required to commercialize the venture."

Energy drives all industries in Jamaica, from transportation to tourism, and from mining to manufacturing. The cost of generating electricity is forcing the government to expedite steps to attract solutions to deliver renewable, sustainable and cheaper energy. Eager for change and assuring the government that its children are aware of the problems, UTech recently sponsored a competition and students were showcased on Jamaican television promoting their solutions.

In Jamaica, the government's energy policy offers many challenges and many opportunities. Within the Ministry of Energy and Mining, The Energy Division is cognizant that the people of Jamaica are frustrated but the the necessary steps to deliver a comprehensive framework in which to assure the renewable sector. "A successful strategy will require all levels of government to cooperate with each other, on behalf of the people, to ensure energy production well into the future. They too will need to listen to our winners," Yeo concludes.

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