The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries has announced the successful deployment of Light Detection and Ranging devices (LiDARs) to the areas of Orange Valley and Galeota, Trinidad and Tobago. These devices will measure wind data to international standards for a period of 12-18 months, under the renewable energy initiative for the onshore ‘Wind Resource Assessment Programme (WRAP)’ for Trinidad and Tobago and it marks the first steps towards official wind energy deployment in Trinidad and Tobago.
In October 2024, the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GORTT) received support from the European Union (EU) for a consultancy to provide technical expertise for the conduct of the onshore WRAP. The successful physical deployment of the LiDARS took place between the period 19th to 20th November, 2024 and was the result of the coordinated efforts of The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI), Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) and the WRAP Project Implementation Agency, National Energy Corporation.
In April 2024, the Honourable Stuart R. Young SC, MP Minister of Energy and Energy Industries and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister championed the formation of a Cabinet appointed ‘Wind Energy Steering Committee (WESC)’ for Trinidad and Tobago. Chaired by the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, the WESC coordinates efforts across several agencies and will oversee the execution of a WRAP and eventual Wind Energy Deployment for Trinidad and Tobago.
Noting the deployment of the LiDARs as a milestone event for the energy landscape in Trinidad and Tobago, The Honourable Stuart R. Young SC MP, Minister of Energy and Energy Industries and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister stated “The steps we have taken just this week alone have been momentous for renewable energy, we are actively pursuing our 30% ‘Renewable Generation’ target, and wind energy will be the source of power for our future Green Hydrogen Industry. The onshore WRAP will continue to three other sites in 2025 and the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago will then be seeking to attract potential investors and project developers.” Minister Young also emphasized the value of collaboration and expressed his gratitude to the European Union (EU) for their continuous support towards Trinidad and Tobago’s Green Agenda.
On 21st November 2024, the MEEI, National Energy and EU successfully partnered to host a stakeholder workshop to chart the path forward for the Utility Scale Wind Deployment. The discussions proved fruitful and will translate into a future ‘Action Plan for Wind Energy.’
It is worthy to note that in 2023, ‘A Strategy for the Development of Wind Energy in Trinidad and Tobago,’ was developed. This was a collaborative effort between the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT) and the European Union (EU) Delegation to Trinidad and Tobago. Based on the analysis performed, the strategy stated that in total, the potential for wind energy is approximately 2.75 GW of onshore and 32 GW offshore. The wind strategy identified nine (9) onshore areas of interest. The Orange Valley and Galeota sites chosen for LiDAR deployment were the identified highest-ranking sites for wind energy in Trinidad and Tobago.