“True leadership requires that we not only honour the past, but we also have to shape the future.”
The words of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar at the launch of the Global Climate Change Alliance Plus (GCCA+) and the Global Environmental Facility (GEF 6) projects, aimed at shifting from energy resources to energy innovation.
“You know, for generations, T&T’s prosperity was built on oil and gas. These resources powered our economy, created opportunities, established us as a respected energy leader. For this, we remain very grateful. And my government continues to develop this sector, the energy sector, with innovation and foresight. True leadership, however, requires that we not only honour the past, but we also have to shape the future.”
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar said in today’s world, diversification has become a matter of urgency, demanding bold and decisive action.
She said her government has embraced this challenge through policies to expand investment in the non-energy sector, promote renewable and digital industries, and build a resilient, competitive, and sustainable economy.
She said this has led to the launch of the Global Climate Change Alliance Plus and the Global Environmental Facility projects.
“I think this initiative brings together diversification, diplomacy, and delivery to shape T&T, our next chapter of development. Together, we can strengthen our traditional energy foundations, while advancing more efficient and inclusive pathways for growth. These mark the shift from energy resources to energy innovation and from promise to progress.”
The Prime Minister explained how these initiatives will impact the nation’s development: “Over 61 megawatt hours of electricity generated annually, reducing 32 tonnes of CO2 emissions. 150 trained in solar and energy efficiency. District cooling systems, the first in the Caribbean, promoting low-cost, low-carbon, cost-efficient cooling. Strengthened energy efficiency policies and regulations for long-term sustainability. Encouraged private sector investment in clean, innovative technologies.”
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said these projects are more than just technical successes.
“They represent the transformation of our economy, lowering costs, creating jobs, and modernising industries, but at the same time, building local expertise and resilience.”
Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh, announced the possibility of officially harvesting wind energy in the country.
“Trinidad and Tobago has received additional support from the EU to explore the potential for wind energy, as the EU Ambassador alluded to. The EU funded the development of Trinidad and Tobago’s first wind energy strategy through the Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) Programme. This strategy laid a foundation for further support from the Euroclima Programme, which assisted our country in conducting a Wind Resource Assessment Programme to collect data to determine where wind turbines can be placed.”
The Global Climate Change Alliance Plus and the Global Environmental Facility projects were implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development.