FRAMEWORK FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A RENEWABLE ENERGY POLICY FOR TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

A REPORT OF THE RENEWABLE ENERGY COMMITTEE

Preface

Trinidad and Tobago’s petroleum resources have been and would continue to be the prime driver for the country’s growth and development for some time into the future. On a national level, natural gas is now the primary energy source both for fuel and feedstock, whereas the transportation sector is almost completely dependent on petroleum products. Local energy demand for this finite resource is on the increase, making conservation paramount.  This could be reasonably addressed by utilization of renewable energy (RE) resources, increasing energy efficiency (EE), decreasing energy demand and the use of alternative fuels in the transportation sector.  These initiatives would be consistent with the National Draft Climate Change Policy in development and also with mitigation and adaptation strategies being implemented globally to combat climate change. The Government has expressed a commitment to the development of an Energy Policy for Trinidad and Tobago through a process of public consultations and discussion, which would incorporate the fullest development of the country’s RE resources. . To this end a Framework for the Development of a RE Policy for Trinidad and Tobago has been developed for public review and discussion. The Framework recognizes the importance of developing the country’s RE resources and the complementary role of EE to achievement of long term sustainable development and energy security and as a mitigation strategy to address the issue of Climate Change. Such development holds great potential for promoting increased investment, enhancing research and development, providing opportunities for the creation of high-value jobs while generating increased foreign exchange and revenues.   

Trinidad and Tobago is ideally positioned to meet the challenge to effectively develop its renewable energy resources based on the country’s existing energy platform and experience in energy sector developments including the demonstrated success in attracting major investors and financiers. 

Cabinet agreed in November 6, 2008 to the establishment of a Renewable Energy Committee (REC). Terms of reference (TOR) of the committee were, inter alia: 

• To review the energy balance of Trinidad and Tobago and conduct a current state assessment of RE applications and research activities into PV solar power, solar thermal energy, wind energy, wave energy , and bio-fuels (biomass, biogas, biodiesel and bio-ethanol)
• To identify feasible and practical RE technologies in various sectors, including transportation, industry, manufacturing/commercial and residential, using appropriate criteria relevant to Trinidad and Tobago
• To set realizable targets and timeframes for RE in the energy mix
• To make recommendations with respect to the level of incentives (tax relief, infrastructure support, grants, price subsidies, etc.) required to promote the use of RE technologies in each sector
• To identify:
  • Appropriate research and development which can advance the implementation of renewable technologies in Trinidad and Tobago
  • Opportunities for linkages between energy-based industrial plants to be established and the production of renewable energy components
  • Mechanisms and strategies for financing RE projects by local and international agencies, including carbon trading schemes
  • Legislation and regulation that would be necessary for the exploitation, development and use of RE.

The members the REC are as follows:

The REC was launched on February 13, 2009 and on October 6, 2009 the services of the Engineering Institute of the University of the West Indies (U.W.I) were contracted to assist the committee in research and drafting of the Policy Framework.  The Framework has been prepared to support development of RE policy measures in the context of a National Energy Policy for Trinidad and Tobago.

 View the Renewable Energy Policy Framework

Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs

January, 2011