Following the conduct of a wind energy study in 2023, which revealed Trinidad and Tobago’s excellent potential for wind energy generation, the EU recently joined with stakeholders from the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Planning and Development to map the way forward for a wind energy programme for Trinidad and Tobago. 

The EU, which is supporting the adoption of renewable energy as a way to reduce the carbon footprint and expand the electricity mix of Caribbean countries, funded the study, which revealed that wind energy was the leading contender to supplement electricity generation from non-renewable sources and recommended the implementation of a Wind Resource Assessment Programme.

Trinidad and Tobago has been actively pursuing development of renewable energy, in keeping with the country’s National Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement, to achieve a 30 percent renewable energy target by 2030.  As such, the TT Government approved the Wind Resource Assessment Programme to determine if wind generation is feasible to support utility-scale power generation.  

The Wind Resource Assessment Programme was launched in November and will continue for the next 12-15 months.  The EU is supporting the programme in a number of ways, including:

• The installation of wind measurement devices (LiDARs) at Galeota Port  and Waterloo, Orange Valley - two sites identified as harbouring the most potential for the installation of wind farms
• The contribution of two renewable energy experts to train personnel, as well as  to support the recently established Wind Energy Steering Committee with the development of a Wind Energy Action  Plan;
• Outreach to European  companies with expertise and technology in the renewable energy sector to invest in TT; and
• An invitation to Trinidad and Tobago to attend a ‘Wind Energy Study Tour’ to Denmark in 2025.

According to the Honourable Pennelope Beckles, Minister of Planning and Development, “The world has committed to the energy transition in order to keep on the trajectory of the Paris Agreement goals. But for Trinidad and Tobago, it is much more than this, as our country has long been reliant on oil and gas industries to power our economy, and provide livelihoods for decades. However, as global dynamics change and climate realities become undeniable, we must embrace renewable energy, and clean technologies lest we risk ourselves being left behind in the global paradigm shift, and we are left wondering what happened even while we watched it happen. It is therefore not just for the sake of the environment, but for the future of our people and our economy, and indeed by extension, the world and for future generations.”

EU Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, H.E. Peter Cavendish, commented on the collaboration: “We are more than happy to accompany Trinidad and Tobago as they pursue a renewable energy path, in accordance with their stated commitment under the Paris Agreement.  This wind assessment programme is just one of many ways that we have been collaborating with the country; we are also supporting the development of solar energy, and we have been in dialogue about the use of green hydrogen as an energy source.

“Trinidad and Tobago is eager to pursue energy alternatives as it seeks to reduce its over-reliance on fossil fuels, reduce its carbon footprint and diversify the economy.  The EU has a wealth of experience in these areas, which we are eager to share.  The Wind Energy Study Tour to Denmark, for example, will be an excellent opportunity for Trinidad and Tobago to interact with key stakeholders in the public and private sectors in Europe.  We will also continue to work to bring European companies, technology and renewable energy experts to Trinidad and Tobago.”

Support to Trinidad and Tobago’s transition to renewable energy is supported by the European Union under its Global Gateway strategy, an initiative to advance clean and sustainable investments worldwide, including in the energy sector.  Learn more about Global Gateway: https://europa.eu/!fvN9yT.

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