(Energy Analytics Institute, 21.Nov.2024) — The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI) successfully deployed 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, the MEEI said 21 Nov. 2024 in an official statement.
The deployment marks the first steps towards official wind energy deployment in the twin-island nation, MEEI said.
In Oct. 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 19-20 Nov. 2024 and was the result of the coordinated efforts of the MEEI, Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) and the WRAP Project Implementation Agency, National Energy Corporation (NEC), MEEI said.
In Apr. 2024, the MEEI head Stuart R. Young championed the formation of a Cabinet appointed ‘Wind Energy Steering Committee (WESC)’ for Trinidad and Tobago. Chaired by the MEEI the WESC coordinates efforts across several agencies and will oversee the execution of a WRAP and eventual Wind Energy Deployment for Trinidad and Tobago.
“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,” Young said. “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.”
Young also emphasized the value of collaboration and expressed his gratitude to the EU for their continuous support towards Trinidad and Tobago’s Green Agenda.
On 21 Nov. 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,’ the MEEI said.
PHOTO CAPTION: The fully installed LiDAR at the YTEPP Waterloo, Orange Valley site. Source: MEEI
PHOTO CAPTION: Participants at the stakeholder workshop to chart the path forward for the Utility Scale Wind Deployment which took place on 21 Nov. 2024 at the National Energy Corporation, Head Office, Couva. Source: MEEI
Wind energy strategy
In 2023, ‘A Strategy for the Development of Wind Energy in Trinidad and Tobago,’ was developed.
The effort was a collaborative between the GORTT and the 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 MEEI said.
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.
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