Sun shines in Jamaica

Teco Energy might be the big player locally when it comes to electricity, but Tampa's involvement in providing energy extends far beyond that.

Into the Caribbean, actually.

Tampa-based WRB Enterprises recently finalized a $47 million loan from Overseas Private Investment Corp. That's the federal government's development finance institution, which earmarked the money toward a $60 million, 20-megawatt solar plant in Jamaica.

That's enough energy to power 20,000 homes in Jamaica.

It would also displace more than 3 million gallons of fossil fuel the country currently burns each year for energy needs, according to a release.

The project is part of the Caribbean Energy Security Initiative, announced by Vice President Joe Biden last year. Modeled after similar programs in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands, it joins another OPIC-funded solar plant, a 34-megawatt project announced earlier this year.

WRB describes itself as a closely held private company with “deep roots in the Caribbean,” having owned utilities there since the 1980s. It operates the public electric utility for Grenada, and previously did the same for Grand Turk and Dominica.

WRB is a founding investor in the Bank of Tampa, according to its website, as well as a large shareholder in CenterState Banks. It also owns Ybor Square, in the Ybor City historic district just outside downtown Tampa.