Global Center of Excellence for Green Hydrogen

Trinidad and Tobago, located in the Caribbean, is known for its significant reserves of natural gas and oil. The country has expressed an interest in developing its hydrogen and green hydrogen sector as part of its efforts to diversify its energy mix and reduce carbon emissions.

Oil Production: Trinidad and Tobago produced approximately 63,000 barrels of oil per day in 2020. Oil production has been declining in recent years due to maturing fields and limited new discoveries.
Natural Gas Production: Natural gas production is a vital component of the country’s energy sector. Trinidad and Tobago produced around 3.4 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of natural gas in 2020. The country has extensive offshore natural gas reserves.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports: Trinidad and Tobago is one of the largest exporters of LNG in the Americas. The country's LNG exports totaled approximately 7.1 million metric tons in 2020. Major markets for Trinidad and Tobago’s LNG include the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Petrochemical Industry: The petrochemical sector in Trinidad and Tobago is significant, leveraging natural gas resources. The country produces various petrochemical products, including ammonia, methanol, urea, and methanol derivatives. In 2020, ammonia production reached approximately 2.4 million metric tons, while methanol production was around 1.4 million metric tons.
Petrochemical Industry: The petrochemical sector in Trinidad and Tobago is significant, leveraging natural gas resources. The country produces various petrochemical products, including ammonia, methanol, urea, and methanol derivatives. In 2020, ammonia production reached approximately 2.4 million metric tons, while methanol production was around 1.4 million metric tons.

In terms of energy consumption, the industrial sector is the largest consumer, followed by the transportation and residential sectors. In 2020, total energy consumption in Trinidad and Tobago was approximately 1,183.6 trillion British thermal units (BTUs). The energy sector, including oil, gas, and petrochemicals, has been a significant contributor to Trinidad and Tobago’s economy. In 2020, the energy sector accounted for about 26.4 percent of the country’s GDP.

General Information

Demand and Supply of Hydrogen

The country already has a captive demand of 1.5 Mtpa of grey hydrogen consumed by its petrochemical industry and this market could eventually be green. Trinidad and Tobago could aim to install 57 GW of offshore wind capacity, translating to 25 GW of power that feeds electrolysers, producing 4 MTPA of green hydrogen. In Trinidad and Tobago, the currently installed infrastructure has a capacity for approximately 1.7 Mtpa of hydrogen. As one of the leading exporters of ammonia and methanol, Trinidad and Tobago have a captive demand of 1.5 Mtpa of grey hydrogen for use as feedstock for these applications. For both chemicals, the use of green hydrogen is unavoidable. The production of green methanol will also synergize with carbon capture facilities for the harder to abate sectors.

Of the 1.7 Mtpa of the grey hydrogen demand, 0.2 Mtpa is allocated to steel and cement production. Whilst steel production facilities are currently mothballed, the 0.2 Mtpa allocated allows for the possibility of the revival of this industry as green steel gains traction in the market. This is exemplified by buyers such as carmaker Volvo who have shown willingness to pay a premium for green steel.

Hydrogen Policy

Trinidad and Tobago government launched its Hydrogen Roadmap, which outlines the country's plans to develop a hydrogen economy. The roadmap focuses on the production of green hydrogen using renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. The government aims to position Trinidad and Tobago as a leading producer and exporter of green hydrogen in the Caribbean region and has set a target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050./p>

To achieve these goals, the government is planning to establish a regulatory framework for the development of a hydrogen industry, as well as to invest in infrastructure and research and development. The government has also expressed interest in partnering with international organizations and private sector companies to advance its hydrogen agenda./p>

In addition to the Hydrogen Roadmap, Trinidad and Tobago has also taken steps to incorporate hydrogen into its national energy policy. The country's National Energy Policy, released in 2011, includes a focus on renewable energy sources, including hydrogen, as a means of reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and promoting sustainable development.

Overall, Trinidad and Tobago's hydrogen and green hydrogen policy is focused on leveraging the country's natural resources to transition to a low-carbon economy and position itself as a leader in the Caribbean region.

Hydrogen Roadmap- The roadmap for a green hydrogen economy in Trinidad and Tobago | Publications (iadb.org)

Regulatory framework

There is not yet a comprehensive regulatory framework and laws specifically for hydrogen and green hydrogen in Trinidad and Tobago, however, the government is actively working to establish such regulations as part of its broader energy policy and hydrogen roadmap.

Overall, while there is not yet a comprehensive regulatory framework and laws specifically for hydrogen and green hydrogen in Trinidad and Tobago, the government is actively working to establish such regulations as part of its broader energy policy and hydrogen roadmap.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Renewable energy potential

Leveraging its geography, the 100+ years of heritage in the oil and gas industry and a dynamic industrial ecosystem, Trinidad and Tobago can position as a key player in the evolving green energy landscape. With the potential of 57 GW of renewable energy through offshore wind technology, equating to 25 GW of output feeding electrolysers to produce 4 Mtpa of green hydrogen produced by 2065, Trinidad and Tobago has all the key ingredients required to enable a green hydrogen economy.

Electrolyser manufacturing

Not Available (NA)

Project

There are not many hydrogen and green hydrogen projects that are operational in Trinidad and Tobago, but here are some projects that are in development:

Hydrogen Refueling Station: The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC) has announced plans to develop a hydrogen refueling station for fuel cell vehicles. The project is aimed at promoting the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in the country.
Green Hydrogen Production: The NGC is exploring the development of a green hydrogen production facility in Trinidad and Tobago. The project would involve the production of hydrogen using renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power.
Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Hub: The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) is developing a renewable energy and hydrogen hub in Trinidad and Tobago. The hub would include a research and development center for renewable energy and hydrogen technologies, as well as a hydrogen refueling station and a solar-powered hydrogen production facility.
Hydrogen-Powered Buses: The Ministry of Works and Transport in Trinidad and Tobago is exploring the use of hydrogen-powered buses for public transportation. The project would involve the deployment of a fleet of buses powered by hydrogen fuel cells.
Green Hydrogen Project, Atlantic Basin: The Atlantic Basin Initiative is exploring the development of a green hydrogen project in Trinidad and Tobago. The project would involve the production of hydrogen using renewable energy sources and the export of hydrogen to other countries in the region.

Overall, Trinidad and Tobago is taking steps to explore the potential of hydrogen and green hydrogen as alternative fuel sources, and these projects are a testament to the country's commitment to a more sustainable energy future.