Towards a Hydrogen Energy Economy Transition in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies: Part II – A Caribbean Case Study

Tota-Maharaj, Kiran, Denver, Cheddie, Bahadoorsingh, Sanjay, Manohard, Krishpersad and Mohammed, Barry (2025) Towards a Hydrogen Energy Economy Transition in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies: Part II – A Caribbean Case Study. The Journal of the Association of Professional Engineers of Trinidad and Tobago, 53 (2). pp. 26-36.

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Abstract

This paper (Part II) investigates the environmental, regulatory, and implementation aspects of developing hydrogen energy in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). Hydrogen, especially green and blue pathways, has become an important part of low- carbon energy systems as the global energy sector moves quickly towards decarbonisation. This study looks at the environmental lifecycle of hydrogen production by using life cycle assessment (LCA) principles to look at emissions, energy inputs, and effects on sustainability. Case studies like NewGen Energy and CARIRI's proposed hydrogen innovation hub are used to put the findings in the context of industrial and policy landscape in T&T. A stakeholder matrix is used to show the roles, responsibilities, and incentives of important groups like government agencies, industry leaders, academia, and civil society. A policy roadmap is developed with specific, time-limited suggestions for how to include hydrogen in national energy and climate strategies. Despite the nation’s strategic advantages, the transition to a hydrogen economy is hindered by regulatory gaps, limited access to green financing, technological constraints, and the need for workforce development. Phase 1 (1-5 years) addresses feasibility studies and pilot projects; Phase 2 (6-12 years) gives infrastructure development priority; and Phase 3 (13-25 years) seeks for full-scale production, export ready and domestic integration to remove challenges. The study evaluates the feasibility of blue hydrogen through a cost-benefit economic model, highlighting its potential to upgrade natural gas infrastructure. These initiatives support the efforts to diversify the economy, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance energy security aligning with global climate objectives and sustainable development goals. The results show that the move to hydrogen energy depends on infrastructure and investment and strong governance and community involvement. It is crucial that the environmental and economic goals are in line with each other.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Energy Diversification, Carbon Footprint, Hydrogen Infrastructure, Low-Carbon Energy, Economic assessment, environmental assessment, Trinidad and Tobago
Divisions:	Land and Property Management
Depositing User:	Professor Kiran Tota-Maharaj
Date Deposited:	18 Feb 2026 10:04
Last Modified:	18 Feb 2026 10:53
URI:	https://rau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/17054

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