Minister in the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, the Honourable Ernesto Kesar M.P., delivered the opening remarks at the Second EAGE Conference on Energy Opportunities in the Caribbean today, Wednesday 11 November 2026. Organised by the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE) and hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI), this international energy industry conference brings together government representatives, energy companies, geoscientists, technical experts and investors to discuss the Caribbean’s energy potential. The conference builds on the success of the first edition and provides a platform for discussing the future of energy exploration and production in the Caribbean.
In his address, Minister Kesar highlighted Trinidad and Tobago’s significant hydrocarbon potential and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to advancing exploration and attracting investment in the energy sector. He emphasised the importance of deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploration in replenishing the country’s hydrocarbon resource base and securing the long-term sustainability of the energy industry. The Minister also underscored the role of technological advancements, including seismic imaging and artificial intelligence, in identifying new exploration opportunities. He noted the continued interest of major international energy companies, highlighting ongoing seismic exploration activities by ExxonMobil and the BP and Shell consortium in Trinidad and Tobago’s deepwater acreage.
Minister Kesar further reiterated the Government’s commitment to fostering a competitive and predictable investment environment while strengthening regional energy cooperation. Opportunities for collaboration were highlighted with neighbouring countries, including Guyana, Suriname, Grenada and Barbados, through knowledge sharing, technical expertise and energy development. He encouraged greater collaboration among governments, industry stakeholders and technical professionals to ensure that the development of the region’s energy resources delivers sustainable economic benefits.
The conference will continue to run from November 11th to 13th 2026 and aims to achieve the following objectives:
- Promoting exploration and investment: Identifying new oil and natural gas opportunities across the Caribbean.
- Advancing geoscience: Sharing technical knowledge about seismic surveys, subsurface imaging and reservoir development.
- Encouraging regional collaboration: Bringing governments, operators and service providers together.
- Exploring emerging technologies: Examining how new technologies can improve exploration and production.
- Discussing the energy transition: Considering new energy opportunities alongside conventional hydrocarbons.