Towards a Hydrogen Energy Economy Transition in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies: Part I – A Strategic Framework

Tota-Maharaj, Kiran, Cheddieb, Denver, Bahadoorsingh, Sanjay, Manohar, Krishpersad and Mohammed, Barry (2025) Towards a Hydrogen Energy Economy Transition in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies: Part I – A Strategic Framework. The Journal of the Association of Professional Engineers of Trinidad and Tobago, 53 (2). pp. 11-25.

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Abstract

The global energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, shifting away from fossil fuels towards cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. Hydrogen, often hailed as a versatile energy carrier, is emerging as a promising solution to address pressing environmental and energy security challenges. Countries like Japan and South Korea are at the forefront of hydrogen technology development, investing heavily in infrastructure and research to reduce costs and increase production. Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), with its abundant natural gas reserves and strategic geographic location, is well-positioned to capitalise on the growing global demand for hydrogen. The study assesses the feasibility of blue hydrogen production, emphasising the role of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, alongside the development of green hydrogen through renewable energy-powered electrolysis. These approaches aim to modernise and enhance the existing natural gas infrastructure. Guided by global regulations and projected hydrogen pricing, the study evaluates key factors such as capital investment, operational costs, hydrogen production capacity, emissions reduction, and market demand. This paper assesses the economic potential of, and identifies the basic infrastructure for, a hydrogen economy in T&T. It also explores pathways of both blue and green hydrogen by using a levelised cost of hydrogen (LCOH) model and considering the country's history of making ammonia and natural gas. Important considerations are put on cost competitiveness, capital investment, production volume, and the ability to strategically retrofit facilities, like the Pointe-à-Pierre refinery and Point Lisas. Lastly, the paper sheds light on how domestic resources, export opportunities, and energy security all fit together and gives the country a plan for how to move towards the hydrogen economy.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Hydrogen Economy, Green Hydrogen, Energy Transformation, Caribbean Sustainable Development, Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), West Indies
Divisions:	Land and Property Management
Depositing User:	Professor Kiran Tota-Maharaj
Date Deposited:	18 Feb 2026 09:58
Last Modified:	19 Feb 2026 15:06
URI:	https://rau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/17053

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