Lightsource bp, Shell and bp receive green light for T&T's first large-scale solar project
- The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT) has approved the consortium partners 148MWp solar project
- The consortium have reached the Final Investment Decision, with bp and Shell initially having joint shareholdings of the project (50/50)
- Lightsource bp has successfully brought the project from inception to Final Investment Decision, and will oversee the construction throughout the project’s development, which is set to commence early in 2023
Reaching agreement with the government enabled consortium partners to reach Final Investment Decision (FID) to commence construction on the project, with bp and Shell initially having joint shareholdings (50/50). bp and Shell have signed a binding heads of terms agreement with the National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (a state-owned agency committed to supporting the sustainable development of the Trinidad and Tobago energy industry) or its affiliate for the option to take up a shareholding in the project.Global solar leader, Lightsource bp, has successfully brought the project from inception to FID and will provide the construction management services. The project is located across two sites, Brechin Castle (92MWac/122MWp), and Orange Grove (20MWac/26MWp).
Construction is set to commence on both sites in Q1 2023, and expected to be operational in Q3 and Q4 2024. At the Orange Grove site, bp and Shell will collaborate with the University of the West Indies (UWI).The partners joined forces in response to the Trinidad and Tobago Government’s Request For Proposal (RFP) for projects to underpin the country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 15% in the Power Generation sector by 2030.
The projects will produce 302,500MWh of renewable electricity a year – that’s enough to power the equivalent of 42,500 homes and save 165,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. This is the first time the consortium of bp, Shell and Lightsource bp has ever worked together on a joint project. With the experience of bp and Shell, as major operators in Trinidad and Tobago’s energy industry, combined with Lightsource bp’s global solar expertise, the group represents the huge potential to accelerate the energy transition through collaboration.
Kareen Boutonnat, Lightsource bp’s CEO of EMEA and APAC, added: “This consortium is a clear demonstration of how energy companies can combine experience and skill sets to support national decarbonization targets. We’re proud to apply our development, engineering, finance and new market entry experience to realise Trinidad and Tobago’s large-scale solar ambitions through this partnership and act as an enabler for the country’s energy transition.”
David Campbell, bp Trinidad and Tobago president said: "We are proud to join our partners in the development of Trinidad and Tobago’s first commercial scale renewable energy project. We have been in T&T for over 50 years and are excited by the opportunity to support the country as it transitions to a lower carbon future. This is a significant milestone for the country as it has the potential to unlock future investments in renewable energy. In pursuing this activity through collaboration, we are able to leverage the strengths of Lightsource bp, bp and Shell for the benefit of T&T.”
“This project underscores Shell’s commitment to helping Trinidad and Tobago’s move towards a low-carbon energy future” said Eugene Okpere, Shell’s Senior Vice President and Country Chair. “This solar project will supply the first green electrons to the grid and is a significant step in the country’s Energy Transition journey. Collectively, Government, private sector and academia brought new perspectives to help chart new territory for this country’s renewable energy future and we look forward to what will come.”
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About the consortium partners:
Lightsource bp is a global leader in the development and management of solar energy projects, and a 50:50 joint venture with bp. Our purpose is to deliver affordable and sustainable solar power for businesses and communities around the world. Our team includes almost 1000 industry specialists, working across 18 countries. We provide a full service to our customers, from initial site selection, financing and permitting through to the management of solar projects. For more information visit lightsourcebp.com, follow us on Twitter @lightsourcebp, Instagram @lightsourcebp, YouTube @lightsourcebp or view our LinkedIn page.
bp recently announced a new ambition to become a net zero company by 2050 and to help the world get there. The ambition is supported by ten aims and a wide-ranging reorganization. One of the aims includes increasing the proportion of investment into non-oil and gas businesses over time, investing wisely into businesses where BP can add value, develop at scale, and deliver competitive returns. bp is committed to performing while transforming - operating safely and reliably as well as delivering on the promises made to shareholders.
Contact:
bp Alternative Energy Trinidad and Tobago
Luis Araujo - 868 793-3374 - Luis.araujo@bp.com
Shell Renewables Caribbean (Shell):
Kelli-Marie Patel - Kelli-Marie.Patel@shell.com
Lightsource bp:
Sophie Buller +442080494454 - Sophie.buller@lightsourcebp.com