Renovation of the lab, which was reopened last Thursday, was undertaken by the Jamaica Public Service Company Ltd (JPSCo).

Morrison told The Gleaner that the refurbishing demonstrated the importance of private-sector support to the tertiary-education sector. He also emphasised the effects on academic research.

"It (the laboratory) will improve research work; provide training in specific areas, especially in relation to producing energy and it certainly creates an infrastructure for opening up of further courses."

Energy solutions

"For example, we are looking at alternative methods of cooling buildings instead of air conditioning; we are looking at different methods of driving pumps. In other words we are doing things which can affect energy consumption," the university president added.

The laboratory was opened Thursday by Damian Obiglio, president and chief executive officer of JPSCo. Obiglio used the event to voice JPSCo's dedication to improving educational infrastructure in Jamaica and urged other businesses to follow suit.

"Education is critical to the development of every country. For this reason, it is necessary for the public and private sectors to form partnerships to ensure improvement in the quality of the education, as well as the opportunities, available to the nation's young people," Obiglio said.