Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, third from right and Energy Minister Stuart Young, fourth from right turn the sod along with other officials marking the country’s largest solar project when completed.
Trinidad and Tobago is one step closer to achieving its renewable energy goals as Anja Dotzenrath, Executive Vice-President Gas and Low Carbon Energy, BP says the renewable energy produced from Trinidad and Tobago’s solar project can replace gas in power generation for the equivalent of more than 42,000 homes – supporting the country’s decarbonization activities and its energy transition.
She was speaking at the sod-turning ceremony of the BP/Shell solar project Brechin Castle on Wednesday.
BP and Shell are equal partners in the joint venture.
In July 2019, bp, Shell and Lightsource bp (LSbp) formed a consortium and submitted a proposal in response to the government’s ol Request for Proposals (RFP) to build, own, operate, and supply up to 130 MW of renewable power to the Trinidad and Tobago national grid.
The consortium was named the successful RFP bidder in 2020 and subsequently negotiated contracts with the government and the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC), the power off-taker, over the period 2019 to 2022. Final investment decision (FID) for the solar project was made in December 2022.
The project, developed by LSbp, involves the construction of two solar sites – one at Brechin
Castle (92 MW) and the other at Orange Grove (20 MW).
When completed, this project will be the largest solar energy producer in the Caribbean. The project is expected to lower CO2 emissions by 150,000 tonnes annually and will reduce gas demand for Trinidad’s power generation, allowing for this gas to be rerouted for sale to LNG and petrochemical markets.
Long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) to supply the electricity produced to T&TEC have been negotiated.
According to DotzenrathI importantly, the project can create more value for the country by freeing up more gas for export.
“This is important for Trinidad and Tobago, the world and to bp. At bp, we are focused on playing our part in solving the energy trilemma, providing secure, affordable and lower carbon energy.” she said.
Noting that world events have events have shown that the energy transition must be orderly
Dotzenrath said this means giving the world the hydrocarbons it needs today and investing in low-carbon energy.
“It is an and not and or. Because of this – gas from Trinidad and Tobago will be needed for decades to come.
“So while we shine the light on exciting new projects like this new solar development, bp also remains focused on safe and reliable gas operations to ensure the world has the energy it needs – both now and in the future,” Dotzenrath added.
However, she noted that what is also key to supporting the energy transition is a collaboration with industry, government and community coming together to create a just transition.
This project, she added is proof of the power of collaboration.
“We would not be here without the support of the government, the local communities and our partners and suppliers including Shell and Lightsource bp, National Energy, the University of the West Indies and so many others,” Dotzenrath added.
Additionally, she said this country remains important to bp as she also thanked the government and the people of Trinidad and Tobago for trusting in the company to develop this project, and hopefully future energy projects.
SOURCE: 
