On 7th December 2022, Minister of Energy and Energy Industries and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Stuart R. Young, received a report on the outcomes of the MEEI’s Study Tour of Chile from the United Nations Development Program of Trinidad and Tobago (UNDPTT) at a meeting hosted by the UNDPTT at the BRIX Hotel, Port of Spain.
The report entailed key findings and recommendations to advance renewable energy in Trinidad and Tobago based on a study tour which took place between September 26th-30th, 2022 in Chile. The MEEI selected two participants for the study tour from its Renewable Energy Division and the Office of the Permanent Secretary respectively. The study tour team met with senior officials from the Government of Chile and had the opportunity to visit renewable energy infrastructure such as a green hydrogen facility, a solar photovoltaic (PV) farm, a concentrated solar power plant, a geothermal plant and a wind farm.
The study tour to Chile on Renewable Energy was part of technical assistance offered to the MEEI through an EU funded initiative, the Global Climate Change Alliance Plus (GCCA+). Chile was chosen for a study tour, based on its success with expanded grid-connected renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Mrs. Sheena Gosine, Energy Professional, Ms. Zahra Cielto-Bowrin, Sustainable Energy Development Analyst, Mr. Craig Boodoo, Senior Energy Analyst of the Ministry of Energy and Energy and Energy and Mr. Kiran Harnanan, UNDP Project Associate delivered a group presentation on the key aspects of the Study Tour relative to renewable energy installations and the existing policy and laws in Chile which created an enabling environment for the successful integration of clean energy into their energy mix.
The Minister of Planning and Development, Pennelope Beckles-Robinson, delivered the key note address at the event. Minister Young also gave special remarks at the event and utilized the report to lead the discussions, as well as provide guidance to the team on a pragmatic way forward. The event was also attended by Ms. Sandra Fraser, Ag. Permanent Secretary Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, Mr. Gerardo Noto, Resident Representative (a.i) UNDP; H.E Peter Cavendish, Ambassador, European Union Delegation to Trinidad and Tobago; and H.E Juan Anibal Barria Garcia, Ambassador, Republic of Chile.
In his contribution, His Excellency Peter Cavendish, Ambassador, European Union Delegation to Trinidad and Tobago stated that “Trinidad and Tobago is not only perceived as a leader for energy, financial services and other areas but this country is also seen as being capable of innovation and being an agent of change.”
On renewable energy, Minister Young stated that a balance must be found between Trinidad and Tobago as a hydrocarbon-based economy and the right blend of renewable energy driven by cleaner technology which would fetch green commodity prices on the international market. Minister Young highlighted that the largest solar project in the CARICOM Region totaling 112.2 MW, will soon be finalized and that this week the Cabinet will further renewable energy related discussions.
