Specific Outcomes

An open call in 2020 attracted 164 applications from organizations across Trinidad and Tobago for the installation of small-scale roof mounted solar PV systems.  Applications were subjected to a rigorous technical evaluation that resulted in the shortlisting of twelve (12) sites that are representative of a cross-section of non-governmental, community-based, and environmental conservation organizations.

The purpose of the installations which were launched in 2023, is to promote public awareness about renewable energy by demonstrating the use of solar energy as a renewable energy alternative to fossil fuel-based electricity. The project is also in the process of installing solar PV systems at an additional six (6) sites, which are expected to be completed by February 2025.

Specific Outcomes

1. Installation of solar energy systems in public utilities and remote communities with the increased capacity to maintain solar power systems will contribute to building up technical expertise and improve awareness on the benefits and potential of renewable energy.

• All 12 installations have been completed and have been formally handed over to the relevant beneficiaries after obtaining the required regulatory approvals. Of these eight, four are in remote off-grid locations with no connectivity to the national electricity system. The total installed capacity of these installations is 108 kW.
• 6 more installations are underway which is expected to add an additional 30kW of solar PV power.
• The solar installations mean that they finally have a continuous power supply that is environmentally superior and cheaper than the national gas-based electricity supply. 

2. Support to the implementation of the new, Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency-conducive policy, legislative and regulatory framework. This component will aim at maximizing the opportunities available to develop and implement appropriate policy measures and remove gaps in current policies. 

• The project has provided technical assistance for the operationalization of the new, Renewable Energy (RE)/Energy Efficiency (EE)–conducive policy, legislative and regulatory framework. 
• Technical assistance was also provided to the Ministry of Energy in the form of a Feed-in-Tariff Implementation Plan and a Draft Renewable Energy Policy with Action Plans to assist the government in its energy transition. 

3. Public awareness-raising on energy efficiency, correct pricing and renewable energy will seek to address the lack of awareness on the benefits of using renewable energy and adopting energy efficiency.

• The results of the Baseline Survey were published, highlighting the public’s perception of RE, EE, and Energy Pricing, of which a communications campaign with targeted messaging was developed.
• In October 2024 a Public Awareness-Raising Campaign on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency was launched.