Page 46 - CE JOURNAL FEB 2024 ISSUE 20

ABSTRACT
Trinidad and Tobago has five (5) commercial Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations and Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
emissions in the transport sector are on an upward trend. “Range Anxiety” is a fear developed by customers
for running out of power on a journey and not being able to find a charging point. Range anxiety coupled with
increase in generation sector emissions and inadequate electrical generation capacity for grid charging stations
is highly possible. The main intention of the study is to analyze the use of hybrid off grid Renewable Energy
(RE) sources optimized with a combination of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Hydrogen Electrolyser
with Hydrogen storage and Fuel Cells to power EV charging stations.

An optimized feasibility model was developed which incorporated Market Research, Technical Assessment with
Matlab Simulink, Economic Assessment, Grid Impact Assessment, Emission Assessment, hybrid Risk Analysis
and Cost Benefit Analysis. Verified local data was analyzed using the developed models in format consistent
with global RE benchmarking standards.

An off grid solar Photovoltaic (PV) RE source coupled with a 10day autonomy BESS for normal probability
failures was found to be the most appropriate and feasible option with high economic return, high social
costs and positive environmental benefits. The study has demonstrated significant decline in both transport
and generation sector CO2 emission contributions are guaranteed. The case study model if adopted at
key commercial locations will have a huge impact on reduction of CO2 emissions and assist in the country
meeting its global emission reduction commitments. The government and several key agencies also need to
immediately implement policies, standards, incentives and regulations for improved success.

Keywords: Hybrid; Off Grid; Renewable Energy; Battery Energy Storage System; Hydrogen Electrolyser, Fuel
Cell, Electric Vehicle; CO2 Emissions.
1. INTRODUCTION
Significant negative impact on the environment and climate change has been caused by Green House Gas
(GHG) emissions from Internal Combustion Engines (ICE). In Trinidad and Tobago, currently it is estimated
based on calculations that over 40% of the GHG emissions are from the transport and generations sectors
(BP 2020), (CEPALSAT 2021). Car Manufacturers worldwide are rapidly producing EV and intend to phase out
ICE vehicles due to:

• Government Intervention
• Subsidies and Incentives
• Improved Battery Capacity and Lower Cost
• Environmental Sensitivity to reduce Climate Change
EV is predicted to dominate the market by 2030 and batteries are expected to become more affordable,
while ICE production will be discontinued by some manufacturers. Charging station infrastructure is the only
global dilemma that is still in the infancy stages of development in most countries across the globe and plays
a critical role in Trinidad and Tobago. At the time of the research, there were no published studies done
for introduction of charging stations to Trinidad and Tobago. Four (4) locally related EV adoption studies
with limited information were found through research. The devastating effects on the environment will be
detrimental to global heath and economic sustenance, if the use of ICE is further encouraged.

Trinidad and Tobago is signatory to global agreements which have three (3) major considerations as follows:
• Reducing Emissions
• Adapting to Climate Change
• Financing Required Adjustments

The international commitments made by Trinidad and Tobago are in no way being met at present and we
have significantly increased the GHG emission in the transport sector which is concentrated with over 99%

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