- The consortium of Shell, bp and Lightsource bp have got the clearance to go ahead with a 112 MW AC/148 MW DC solar power plant in Trinidad and Tobago
- It will be made up of 2 sub-projects of 122 MW DC/92 MW AC and 26 MW DC/20 MW AC capacity
- While Shell and bp will own the project on 50:50 basis initially, Lightsource bp will provide construction management services
Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) is going ahead with the country’s 1st large scale solar project after the negotiations for 148 MW DC/112 MW AC solar power plant with the consortium of Shell, bp and Lightsource bp came through.
The trio had been selected as the preferred bidder in a 130 MW request for proposal (RFP) round in early 2020 (see 130 MW RE PPA For BP & Shell In Trinidad & Tobago). They finally reached an agreement with the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT) followed by a final investment decision.
The project will be realized at 2 sites, divided as 122 MW DC/92 MW AC Brechin Castle and 26 MW DC/20 MW AC Orange Grove. Construction is planned to begin at the same time in Q1/2023, and projects will be operational in Q3/2024 and Q4/2024. For the Orange Grove site, Shell and bp will collaborate with the University of West Indies (UWI).
Together these projects are likely to generate 302,500 MWh of renewable electricity annually.
Both the fossil fuel giants Shell and bp will own the project on 50:50 basis through Shell Renewables Caribbean and bp Alternative Energy Trinidad and Tobago (bpATT). They have signed a binding heads of terms agreement with the National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Limited or its affiliate for an option to acquire stake in the project.
Lightsource bp, the 50:50 joint venture (JV) of Lightsource and bp, will provide construction management services.
“This is a significant milestone for the country as it has the potential to unlock future investments in renewable energy. In pursuing this activity through collaboration, we are able to leverage the strengths of Lightsource bp, bp and Shell for the benefit of T&T,” said bp Trinidad and Tobago President David Campbell.
