geisha.kowlessar@guardian.co.tt
Energy Minister Stuart Young says a balance must be found between T&T as a hydrocarbon-based economy and the right blend of renewable energy driven by cleaner technology which would fetch green commodity prices on the international market.
This as Young received a report on the outcomes of a “study tour” of Chile from the United Nations Development Programme of T&T (UNDPTT) at a meeting hosted recently by the UNDPTT at the Brix Hotel, Port-of-Spain.
The report entailed key findings and recommendations to advance renewable energy in this country based on the tour which took place between September 26 to 30 in Chile, a statement from the ministry explained.
It said the ministry selected two participants for the study tour from its renewable energy division and the Office of the Permanent Secretary respectively.
The team met with senior officials from the Government of Chile and had the opportunity to visit renewable energy infrastructure such as a green hydrogen facility, a solar photovoltaic farm, a concentrated solar power plant, a geothermal plant and a wind farm.
The tour was part of technical assistance offered to the ministry through an EU funded initiative, the Global Climate Change Alliance Plus (GCCA+).
Chile was chosen based on its success with expanded grid-connected renewable energy and energy efficiency, the ministry said.
Peter Cavendish, Ambassador, European Union Delegation to T&T, said this country is not only perceived as a leader for energy, financial services and other areas but is also seen as “being capable of innovation and being an agent of change.”
Young also noted that the largest solar project in the Caricom Region totalling 112.2 MW, will soon be finalised.
