The government, the consortium partners, bp Alternative Energy Trinidad and Tobago (bpATT), Shell Renewables Caribbean (Shell), and Lightsource bp have agreed to develop a 112MWac/148MWp solar project. Because it is Trinidad and Tobago’s first significant solar project, it represents a watershed moment in the country’s energy development.
Following an agreement with the government, the consortium’s partners were allowed to make a Final Investment Decision (FID) to begin development on the project, with BP and Shell initially retaining joint (50/50) shareholdings.
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The construction of a 112MWac/148MWp solar project has been approved by the government, consortium partners bp Alternative Energy Trinidad and Tobago (bpATT), Shell Renewables Caribbean (Shell), and Lightsource bp. The project signifies a turning point in the country’s energy revolution because it is the first sizable solar project in Trinidad and Tobago.
With BP and Shell initially owning joint (50/50) shareholdings, the consortium’s members were able to make a Final Investment Decision (FID) to begin the project’s development after coming to an agreement with the government.
BP and Shell will work together with the University of the West Indies at the Orange Grove location. In order to support the nation’s commitment to the Paris Agreement to cut Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 15% in the Power Generation sector by 2030, the partners came together in response to the Trinidad and Tobago Government’s Request For Proposal (RFP) for projects.
The projects will generate 302,500MWh of renewable electricity per year, which is enough to power 42,500 houses and avoid emitting 165,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide. The trio of bp, Shell, and Lightsource bp has never previously collaborated on a single project.
The group reflects the immense potential to collaborate to expedite the energy transition thanks to the knowledge of bp and Shell, two significant players in Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector, and Lightsource bp’s worldwide solar competence.
Lightsource bp’s CEO of EMEA and APAC Kareen Boutonnat noted: “This consortium is a clear demonstration of how energy companies can combine experience and skill sets to support national decarbonization targets. We’re proud to apply our development, engineering, finance, and new market entry experience to realize Trinidad and Tobago’s large-scale solar ambitions through this partnership and act as an enabler for the country’s energy transition.”
bp Trinidad and Tobago president David Campbell stated: “We are proud to join our partners in the development of Trinidad and Tobago’s first commercial-scale renewable energy project. We have been in T&T for over 50 years and are excited by the opportunity to support the country as it transitions to a lower-carbon future. This is a significant milestone for the country as it has the potential to unlock future investments in renewable energy. In pursuing this activity through collaboration, we are able to leverage the strengths of Lightsource bp, bp, and Shell for the benefit of T&T.”
Shell’s Senior Vice President and Country Chair Eugene Okpere stated, “this project underscores Shell’s commitment to helping Trinidad and Tobago’s move towards a low-carbon energy future.” He added, “this solar project will supply the first green electrons to the grid and is a significant step in the country’s Energy Transition journey. Collectively, Government, private sector, and academia brought new perspectives to help chart new territory for this country’s renewable energy future and we look forward to what will come.”
