Wigton’s vision is to be a catalyst for increased usage of wind power and other renewable energies for electricity generation. In fulfillment of this goal, the company actively supports the growth of Jamaica’s renewable energy industry by developing human capital.
Since its inception, Wigton has continually provided training for local engineers and other professionals as well as tertiary level engineering students. In 2010, in order to enhance its learning and development programmes, the Wigton Resource Centre was opened at the company’s wind farm complex in Rose Hill, Manchester.
In 2014 the British High Commission in Jamaica provided a grant of close to £27,900 to support the establishment of a renewable energy training lab at the Resource Centre. In addition, the Lab was outfitted with working models from the Renewables Academy (RENAC) in Germany which was financed by a partial grant received from OPEC Fund for International Development in December 2015.
On November 2, 2016 the Wigton Renewable Energy Training Laboratory was officially opened by Dr the Honourable Andrew Wheatley. Wigton’s goal is for the lab to serve as a premier learning facility offering training in several aspects of renewable energy. The curriculum includes practical and theoretical training courses in several areas of renewable energy including:
- Solar thermal
- Photovoltaics
- Wind power
- Fuel cells
- Concentrated solar power
- Energy conservation and measurement
- Small hydro
- Bio-energy
The training offered at the Wigton Resource Centre focuses on capacity building and exposure to best practices with emphasis on innovation and efficiency. Curricula will be delivered through workshops, seminars, lectures, courses and practical lab work. Target groups include energy professionals and entrepreneurs, tertiary students and the general public.
Click to Download The Wigton Windfarm Resource Centre Brochure
