Decentralizing the fossil fuel industry to shift to renewable energy presents an array of more sustainable alternatives such as solar. Solar-powered systems such as photovoltaics (PV) strengthen Caribbean communities’ resilience against hurricanes and can reduce energy consumption costs. Although solar energy is a dominant resource for renewable energy systems, it isn’t the only available option. With a rise in renewable energy systems for a fossil phase-out future, communities must expand renewable options beyond solar-powered energy.
In the Caribbean, sunny weather for a vast portion of the year means ideal conditions for solar-powered systems. With 60 percent sunshine throughout the year, approximately 1,380 watts can reach each square meter of land. This presents a reliable energy source that can be accessible throughout communities through on-grid, off-grid, or hybrid installations. The weather conditions in Trinidad and Tobago reflect much of this, with a “dry season” from January to May consisting of many warm days. Trinidad and Tobago has shown a greater interest in solar energy in organizations such as Renewable Power Caribbean. In working to foster a greener future, they have taken charge of utilizing renewable energy sources through their installation, management, and educational services.

Agrivoltaics System. Source: Renewable Power Caribbean
Despite providing several solar products ranging from lighting, generators, appliances, panels, and system components, Renewable Power Caribbean envisions a future that considers options beyond solar. Steffy Heera, Chief Customer Officer (CCO) shared that alternatives to solar energy include wind power, geothermal energy, and hydropower.
School Education Tour Initiative at Rotary Interact Club. Source: Renewable Power Caribbean
Wind power energy is a viable source of renewable energy, harnessing the power generated from winds through wind turbines, pushing moving air (kinetic energy) into electrical energy. Although wind-powered systems aren’t as prominent as solar-powered systems in Trinidad and Tobago, there are discussions on increasing systems to utilize this resource. A report on Setting the Path for Wind Energy Generation in Trinidad and Tobago established steps to successfully deploy wind-powered systems by 2035. The report identifies 9 potential onshore sites for wind energy projects including Blanchisseuse, Toco, Fishing Pond, Galeota, Los Iros, Palo Seco South, San Fernando, Central Range, and Orange Field. The estimated onshore potential can reach more than 2.5 Gigawatts.
Onshore Potential Sites for Construction. Source: Delegation of the European Union to Trinidad and Tobago
For offshore suitability, the areas of Galeota, Los Iros, La Brea, Diego Martin, and Crown Point were identified as the most feasible areas due to their shallow water depths, transmission proximity, and as they do not fall inside exclusion zones. The offshore potential of these systems can reach an estimated 30 Gigawatts. Despite the potential of off and onshore wind systems, determination of actual wind speeds and the estimated energy yield of each system is still required. However, the report notes that there is a good indication of the areas that are more suitable for the installation of wind-powered systems, adding that capacities to support the oil-based sector can be easily adapted to support the wind industry.
Another potential option for Trinidad and Tobago is geothermal energy. Geothermal energy is heat energy generated from heat and water systems below the earth’s for electricity. from the earth through reservoirs at varying temperatures. A case study on the optimization of a potential geothermal reservoir using abandoned wells in Trinidad and Tobago further assessed the options available through these systems. The study highlighted how the island can retrofit existing mud volcanoes and abandoned oil and gas wells to harness geothermal energy. The Heritage Petroleum Company Limited (Heritage), for example, was noted to be an ideal candidate for enhanced geothermal projects, containing approximately 5000 abandoned wells. Another report on the potential of geothermal energy stated that in areas without volcanic eruptions, oil reservoirs can harness geothermal energy with the benefit of carbon dioxide storage.
From the country’s decades of experience in drilling for oil and gas, there are increasing calls to develop geothermal resources. During a Caribbean Sustainable Energy Conference held in Dominica in March 2022, Dr. Vince Henderson, Minister for Planning, Economic Development, Climate Resilience, Sustainable Development, and Renewable Energy in Dominica amplified these calls. He shared his hopes for Trinidad and Tobago to become a regional geothermal drilling leader.
Geothermal Power Plant. Source: Renewable Power Caribbean
In contrast to the possibilities of wind and geothermal energy, hydropower is not as deeply considered. Hydropower energy is generated through the alteration of the natural flow of a river or body of water. This is constantly reliant on a natural flow of water to produce electricity. Trinidad and Tobago does not use hydropower to meet its energy needs but there have been reports on the possibility of harnessing tidal energy by the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA). The report explained the sufficiency of producing electricity using submarine turbines as Trinidad’s east coast is close to the Guiana, the second largest ocean current in the world. The IMA recognizes the potential to power submarine turbines through these currents, embarking on a study of ocean currents around the country. In studying the potential of these systems, they note some disadvantages such as increased maintenance due to saltwater corrosion and the challenges of transferring electricity on land.
Generating renewable energy beyond solar is possible in Trinidad and Tobago. With options ranging from wind, geothermal, and hydropower, further assessments can be made to determine which sources work best and how they can be implemented throughout communities. Exploring options beyond solar-powered energy expands solutions to decentralize the existing fossil-fuel system and a more sustainable future.
This story was produced with the support of the Caribbean Energy Transition Media Mentorship, by Climate Tracker Caribbean.