2025 Deep Water Competitive Bidding Round

Deep Water Competitive Bidding Round Map 2025

The Deep-Water Competitive Bidding Round opened on January 27th, 2025 with the deadline for submission of bids being 12 noon on July 2nd, 2025. Successful bids will be announced three (3) months following the close of bidding.

Competitive Bidding Order (CBO)

The Petroleum Regulations (Deep Water Competitive Bidding) Order, 2025 outlines the requirements of bid submission, maps and descriptions of the blocks, the summary bid form, and the evaluation method for bid submissions.

Model Production Sharing Contract (PSC)

These deep water blocks will be governed by Production Sharing Contracts (PSC) agreements. The 2025 Model PSC – to be positively vetted by the Attorney General ensures that operations are carried out to international standards and that all parties receive a fair share of revenue generated by the extraction and disposal of crude oil and natural gas. The Model PSC has been updated to reflect recent regulatory and economic changes and will be available in the coming weeks.

Data Package

A pre-bid fee of US$ 25,000 allows interested parties to participate in this 2025 Deep Water Competitive Bidding Round. Payment of this fee entitles parties to a data package which provides information on the twenty-six (26) blocks on offer to assist in acreage evaluation as detailed in the Data Package Listing. The data package also contains the Local Content and Local Participation Framework for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago dated 7th October 2004, and the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan.

Guidelines for obtaining a data package are outlined in the Procedure for Obtaining a Data Package. You are required to fill out the Data Package Request Form and send via e-mail to:

Keon Dube
Senior Geophysicist (Ag.)
kdube@energy.gov.tt
(868) 225-4334 ext. 2371

Upon receipt of the completed form, the MEEI will contact you to provide further instructions for the execution of a Data Use Agreement to obtain access to the Data Package.

Virtual Data Room

The Ministry, in collaboration with Lynx Information Systems Inc. (Lynx), has launched a Virtual Data Room (VDR) to provide view-only access to technical data for the Bidding Round. The VDR is accessible at https://ttdeepwaterbid2025.com/.

While the downloadable data package remains the primary resource for detailed block evaluation—allowing for full interpretation and analysis—the VDR allows users to preview our datasets and perform quality control checks when loading the data onto their workstations.

Contact :

Email: bidround@energy.gov.tt

Or

Kimberlee London
Senior Geologist
klondon@energy.gov.tt
(868) 225-4334 ext. 2360

The 2025 Bid Round includes the return of 13 of the 17 blocks offered in the previous bidding round. Four bids were received for the deep water blocks from a Consortium comprising BP Exploration Operating Company Ltd and BG International Ltd.

1. 1. 1. Block 23(b) – BP Exploration Operating Company Ltd / BG International Ltd
      2. Block 25(a) – BP Exploration Operating Company Ltd / BG International Ltd
      3. Block 25(b) – BP Exploration Operating Company Ltd / BG International Ltd
      4. Block 27 – BG International Ltd / BP Exploration Operating Company Ltd

After negotiations between representatives from the Ministry of Energy and the Consortium, the parties were agreed mutually acceptable fiscal and technical improvements to the bids for three of the blocks 25(a), 25(b) and 27.

The Production Sharing Contracts were executed at the Signing Ceremony for the award of blocks 25(a), 25(b) and 27 on September 26, 2023.

 

 

 

26 offshore blocks offered in 2025 deepwater bid round

February 12, 2025, by Melisa Cavcic

With the need to ensure energy independence in mind, the Trinidad and Tobago government initiated its new bidding round on January 27, 2025, to boost hydrocarbon exploration and production in this petrostate located off the northern edge of the South American mainland.

Given the myriad of challenges in the world today – from energy security issues and climate change to population growth and geopolitical woes – the era of oil and gas dominance on the global energy market’s scene seems to be far from winding down, especially in certain regions.

Energy Minister Stuart Young underscored that the government is moving forward with its ‘Deep Water Competitive Bidding Round 2025’ to optimize the utilization of hydrocarbon resources by securing investments in the upstream sector.

The country is “receptive” to out-of-bid round proposals to ensure a further boost for the upstream sector, as the deepwater arena holds the “greatest promise” for major oil and gas discoveries in his book. Deadline for submission of bids is set for July 2, 2025, with successful bids slated to be announced three months after the close of bidding.

As the 26 deepwater blocks will be governed by production sharing contract (PSC) agreements, the 2025 Model PSC – to be positively vetted by the Attorney General – is expected to ensure that operations will be conducted in line with international standards and that all parties receive a fair share of revenue generated by the extraction and disposal of crude oil and natural gas.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries

A pre-bid fee of $25,000 allows interested parties to participate in this bidding round, entitling parties to a data package providing information on the 26 blocks on offer to assist in acreage evaluation.

According to the Energy Ministry, several major upstream projects have been approved and are in execution. These are Manatee, Cypre, Mento, and Coconut projects, alongside onshore and offshore development drilling campaigns, as well as the Brechin Castle solar farm.

Multiple projects are also advancing toward final investment decisions (FIDs), including Calypso, Ginger, Blackjack, Onyx, Dragon, and Manakin-Cocuina, as well as the NewGen green hydrogen project.

 

 

 

 

Moves to commercialised methanol fuel

8 February 2025

UWI engineering lecturer Dr Renique Murray, explained the M15 Fuel Blend on a car tested for its potential use by president of National Energy Dr Vernon Paltoo, president Methanex Trinidad Ltd Colin Bain, Energy Ministry PS Penelope Bradshaw Niles and Energy Minister Stuart Young at Methanex Trinidad Ltd, Point Lisas Industrial Estate, Couva, on February 6.

TT is one step closer to having blended methanol fuel commercially available after a recent demonstration programme showed locally available vehicles can run effectively on the alternative fuel. M15 fuel is a blend of 15 per cent methanol and 85 per cent gasoline.

At a ceremony at Methanex Point Lisas, president Colin Bain said methanol burned cleaner than gasoline and was an affordable substitute. Its efficient combustion, safety and availability locally made it an attractive alternative for transportation.

Dr Renique Murray, University of the West Indies (UWI) don at the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing engineering, said recent testing showed significant success in locally available vehicles without any modifications. While there were working examples of the fuel internationally, researchers wanted to test how it would perform in a local setting under this country’s unique conditions.

That included laboratory testing with three QG 15 engines which are common in Nissan vehicles and were run for 400 hours before being evaluated; two with the M15 blend and one with super gas as a control. Testing was also done on the road with 12 vehicles from Kia, Suzuki, Nissan, Honda, Mercedes Benz, Hyundia and Audi.

Murray said there was an average of between 15 to 25 per cent decrease in carbon dioxide emissions per unit volume, a ten per cent increase in power output and increased mileage between fill-ups all while not causing any issues with the car’s computers or degradation of fuel lines. Those benefits could be even greater if modifications were made to the engine and he suggested further research.

Notably, some vehicles did not see any decrease in emissions which could be remedied by making alterations to the engines.

He noted there was degradation in the rubber seals within the fuel system after 200 hours of testing in parts that were not E10-rated (as some newer vehicles are), particularly the injector seals. He recommended further research into the storage and distribution of blended fuel at commercial fuel stations.

With statistics showing the transportation sector is responsible for 21 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions, Bain said using the lower-emission blended fuel aligned with commitment to the Paris Agreement to reduce carbon emissions by 15 per cent by 2030. Apart from environmental benefits, blended fuel use could have financial benefits to taxpayers.

“Over the last ten years, the government spent over $20 billion in (fuel) subsidies which is a significant portion of its expenditure.

Therefore whilst the fuel subsidy has historically supported the local economy, we have to look toward sustainability as well. Transitioning toward fuel blending not only offers a pathway to alleviate the financial impact on the government but also fosters economic diversification, sustainability and resilience in the face of global energy challenges.”

Methanex estimates adopting the blended fuel could lead to a potential annual savings of US $12 million.

Minister of Energy Stuart Young described the development as an example of the country’s commitment to doing its part in combating climate change.

“I have every intention for us to introduce this fuel blending going forward.”

He intends to involve Paria Fuel Trading Company Ltd to provide the blend locally and export it regionally.

“So that once again, we can ensure we are at the forefront.”

He commended Methanex for demonstrating the region’s first ship-to-ship methanol bunkering in August as the government is including the marine sector in its diversification plans, especially under his term as prime minister.

“A big part of what I am planning, not only a green port, but also ensuring that we can offer cleaner fuels for the maritime industry, because we’re perfectly poised to offer that and methanol is an important component.”

The project began in 2021 with a memorandum of understanding between Methanex and National Energy to explore the use of methanol as a fuel for transport with The UWI and TT Bureau of Standards as partners.

 

 

 

 

IMF mission in Article IV talks

2025, 02/01

A delegation from the opposition United National Congress (UNC), met with representatives from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as part of the Article IV consultation process for Trinidad and Tobago.

The Opposition delegation comprised MPs David Lee and Davendranath Tancoo, opposition Senator Wade Mark and the party’s chief economist Suanjali Persad.
The IMF delegation was led by Camilo Tovar Mora, deputy unit chief of the Caribbean Division I in the Western Hemisphere Department of the IMF.
The Opposition raised several critical issues affecting the economy, including:

1. 1. 1. • The ongoing foreign exchange crisis;
      2. • The escalating debt levels;
      3. • Rising crime rates;
      4. • Declining business confidence in the economy;
      5. • A significant drop in foreign direct investment;
      6. • The polarisation of the economy;
      7. • Absence of real time, reliable, independent statistics to facilitate proper decision making;
      8. • Concerns regarding the status of Dragon gas and the implications of the US-Trinidad and Tobago relationship on economic stability.

The UNC emphasised the urgency of addressing these challenges and expressed hope that the concerns raised would be thoroughly considered and reflected in the IMF’s final report, which is expected to be published in mid-2025.

The Opposition party said it remains committed to advocating for policies that promote economic stability, growth and the well-being of all citizens.

The IMF’s 2024 Article IV consultation with T&T was concluded on May 8, and the report was published on June 5.

Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the Washington DC-based institution holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information and discusses economic developments and policies with officials.

At headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board. At the conclusion of the discussion, the managing director as chairman of the board, summarizes the views of executive directors and transmits the summary to the authorities.

 

 

 

Minister Young welcomes British High Commissioner

The Honourable Stuart R. Young S.C., M.P. Minister of Energy and Energy Industries and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, with Ms. Penelope Bradshaw-Niles, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, met His Excellency Jon Dean, newly appointed British High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago; and Ms. Chinali Patel, Head Political, Economic and Press of the High Commission and Acting Deputy High Commissioner.

At the Ministry, the parties discussed collaboration in energy related matters, investment opportunities, energy security and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

Minister Young noted that there are opportunities for Trinidad and Tobago to support the energy security of Europe with the ability to export Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), ammonia, fertilizer and methanol globally.

He highlighted the ongoing renewable energy initiatives in Trinidad and Tobago such as the deployment of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) devices to measure wind data and the construction of an industrial-scale solar farm at Brechin Castle. He emphasized the significance of British petroleum companies, Shell PLC and bp PLC to both countries.

His Excellency Jon Dean stated that Trinidad and Tobago has been identified as having major potential for renewable energy, in particular wind energy.

WIth shared history, culture and commercial links between Trinidad and Tobago and the United Kingdom, he assured Minister Young that he will advocate for Trinidad and Tobago in economic cooperation, trade and investment. His Excellency assumed the appointment as British High Commissioner in December 2024, Minister Young warmly welcomed His Excellency and both parties agreed to actively work together to positively secure a mutually beneficial, long-term, and sustainable relationship.

 

 

 

 

After Trinidad gig, Allseas’ Lorelay goes to Rotterdam for lifetime extension

January 28, 2025, by Nadja Skopljak

Allseas’ pipelay vessel Lorelay completed a platform-to-platform pipeline installation , for the first time ever using the bowstring start-up method, connecting the pipeline start-up head directly to the platform jacket leg.

Lorelay began operations in December 2024, placing 139 mattresses to cross and protect existing subsea pipelines and completing the platform-to-platform pipeline installation off Trinidad’s southeastern coast in ten days.

For the project, awarded in mid-2024, Allseas engineered and installed the 22-kilometer, 16-inch multiphase line to meet the first gas commitments for the offshore development in 2025. Running at depths of 60–70 meters, the concrete-coated pipeline connects a newly installed platform to existing infrastructure.

Following the wrap-up of this project, Lorelay is returning to Rotterdam, the Netherlands, to undergo a lifetime extension and prepare for future work, including the Porthos CO2 storage project in the Netherlands.

Allseas selected MacArtney to enhance and future-proof its remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operations with the replacement of three existing hydraulic launch and recovery systems with the all-electric eLARS on board pipelayers Lorelay and Solitaire, as well as offshore construction vessel Pioneering Spirit.

 

GCCA+ targets energy culture change

Feb 4, 2025

Trinidad and Tobago has a culture of energy wastage and a cultural shift is necessary, according to an official from the Global Climate Change Alliance Plus (GCCA+) project.

Project manager Kiran Harnanan expressed hope for a cultural shift in how energy is conserved, emphasising that changing mindsets is a crucial factor. The programme is designed to enhance the country’s resilience to climate change by promoting renewable energy as an alternative source for electricity generation, to achieve its Nationally Determined Contribution of reducing carbon emissions by 15% by 2030.

“We have a culture of wasting energy because of our low energy prices. I would like to see a culture shift in us being more energy conscious.” Harnanan remains optimistic that this is a viable path forward for T&T.

The GCCA+ project, expected to conclude this year, started in 2020 and is funded by the European Union (EU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as the implementation body. The government arm is the Ministry of Planning and Development as a project partner and sponsor.

Since the inception of the GCCA+ project, 12 sites across T&T have installed solar PV systems: Ten in Trinidad and two in Tobago. These areas include:

1. 1. 1. the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society,
      2. Speyside High School,
      3. Aquaculture Unit (AU),
      4. Fisheries Division,
      5. Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, and
      6. Caribbean Institute of Astronomy (CARINA).

In 2024, the project savings were used for six additional sites which will be installed in the first quarter of 2025.

According to the project manager, the project has three leading goals, which includes to demonstrate the viability of solar energy through the installation of small-scale solar PV systems, and these were done at 12 sites, at NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations), schools and community centres.

The second goal “is to provide technical assistance to the government as it pertains to policy development relating to and encouraging renewable energy.”

The third goal, “is to execute a public awareness campaign to bring about change in public perception and possibly behaviour in a positive way as it relates to renewable energy, being energy efficient, and pricing”.

Asked about the accomplishments of the project thus far, Harnanan explained that “one of the major successes of the project was paving the way for establishing a process for obtaining the renewable energy generator licence for all the sites.

Recently it’s a requirement over the last few years. However, there has not been an established process so what the project did to pave the way, we had to work with the relevant bodies, the Ministry of Public Utilities and the government Electricity Inspection Division to collaborate and develop the process for obtaining this generator license.”

Another area of success was technical assistance via consultancy to provide various policy documents for the government, specifically the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries.

“Two of the major consultancies that we provided were the development of a draft Feed-in Tariff implementation plan as well as a draft renewable energy policy with accompanying action plans.

So, those are two draft documents; the consultants were brought on board to develop those policies for the ministry of Energy and Energy Industries.”

Additionally, there was capacity building for State agencies and ministries “as it pertains to renewable energy power purchase agreements and financial modelling”.

“In terms of capacity building the project also provided two study tours to State agencies and ministries to Chile, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.

So, ideally, we took the ministries’ representatives there to learn about those countries, their legislations, their policies, what the best practices are and how the sector works in those countries to see what the best fit for Trinidad could be,” he said.

Public awareness is key

Equally important, the project launched a national public awareness campaign on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy pricing. The six-month public awareness campaign has received significant traction thus far.

Noting that the campaign is ongoing he said “we are midway there, so we have about three months to go.

“The campaign focuses on essentially the benefits of using renewable energy compared to fossil fuel, how to be energy efficient when it comes to energy use in your house or your business and practical ways to save energy.

“So, it also highlights the use of solar devices like calculators, outdoor perimeter lighting, and torch light.”

The public’s buy-in so far was positive and inquisitive. “A lot of individuals have questions. We wanted to provide a platform for people to ask questions…there has been interest, a lot of people are interested in solar.”

He disclosed that a 2023 survey conducted by Market Facts and Opinions on people’s perception of energy, renewable energy, and energy pricing found that 81% of people were interested in installing solar panels at their homes.

Also, 71% indicated that should the price of electricity increase, this would “reduce their energy consumption, which shows that they are conscious of the energy that they use, and they want to maintain not only electricity bills, but they also want to be energy conscious”.

He said the baseline survey also showed that only a quarter of responders shared that they often look for energy efficient appliances with energy efficient labels when purchasing appliances. This can be improved as the campaign continues to make impact by educating people on energy efficient behaviours.

Another finding is that “seven in ten persons still hang their clothes out on a line to dry….it shows that people use the power of the wind and the sun to dry their clothes, maybe it’s an economic thing where people can’t afford dryers.” But he believes it’s a positive sign.

Their advertisements on several traditional media and social media platforms have been intentionally animated and relatable with the hope that people will start making changes in their everyday behaviour towards energy consciousness.

Harnanan said the results at the end of the public awareness campaign will indicate how significant of a mindset shift there is. Also noting that a substantial amount of the total project budget of $2.4 million euros, goes into public awareness.

Apart from this, the project entailed outreach programmes at schools and several stakeholders. In relation to the businesses showing interest, he said while the interest in solar systems exists for small businesses, the initial investment cost and legislation hinders them.

During the project it was discovered that 37% to 40% of the cost goes into battery systems, “so part of the policy in what we assisted the government is developing a feed-in tariff implementation plan. Now with a feed-in tariff you ideally remove the need for battery, so you remove 40% of cost which will allow it to be more accessible and affordable for the average joe.”

He commended the collaborations so far with the government and other stakeholders, noting “the policy development that now lies with the government.”

However, it is not only politics because people should also take an active role in acknowledging the rapid changes in the environment by taking the necessary steps to make improvements.

With the project’s campaign tagline ‘Solar power to the people’ he believes the strong messaging can assist in shifting the public’s mindset.

“The effort that we put into campaign and key targeting messaging, will have a long-lasting effect on individuals and how they perceive energy and simple things they can do, like turn the light or air (conditioning units) off when they leave a room, we hope that those messages stick with them.

Especially with the younger people who are making their way into the world, we hope that they encourage older persons.”

 

 

 

 

Petrojam deal

2025, 02/04

Minister of Energy Stuart Young met the media during the launch of the Renewable Energy Technology Service Programme at the NESC Auditorium in Point Lisas and dismissed criticism of Paria Fuel Trading Company’s US$50.2 million fuel deal with Jamaican refinery Petrojam, calling it “mischief.”

Young clarified that the transaction was the fulfilment of a commitment he had made during discussions with Jamaica’s Minister of Science, Energy, and Technology, Daryl Vaz over the past two years to strengthen bilateral relations.

“Petrotrin’s refinery is 175,000 barrels a day. The Petrojam refinery is much smaller—38,000 barrels of oil per day.

So, all this transaction involves is that we have agreed, and are currently finalising negotiations, to purchase about 500,000 barrels of marine fuel, which Paria has already been purchasing. It is a promotion of our bilateral relationship with Jamaica, of which I am very proud.”

One of the key drivers of economic diversification for T&T is marine traffic, including developing dry docking facilities and attracting more vessels to the country.

Paria announced agreement with Petrojam to supply 540,000 barrels of very low sulphur fuel oil over six months. On Saturday Paria received its first shipment of 50,000 barrels to be used for bunkering operations, a key contributor of foreign exchange.

Mayaro MP Rushton Paray said T&T’s energy dominance has waned under poor leadership, culminating in the irony of potentially purchasing fuel oil from Petrojam.

Once a regional powerhouse,T&T now grapples with policy failures, missed opportunities and declining influence.

Urgent reforms and visionary leadership are needed to reclaim the nation’s industrial heritage.

Young said he had spoken with Vaz en route to Point Lisas and he wanted to address concerns and counter what he described as deliberate misinformation from opposition members and the usual naysayers.

“The Government will always seek opportunities to support our Caricom neighbours,” Young said, noting that T&T enjoys a trade surplus of hundreds of millions of dollars with Jamaica.

He argued that this deal benefits both countries. Addressing public concerns, Young criticised certain individuals who, he said, were making misleading statements for political gain.

“I saw a certain Opposition member today posting a video, speaking as though ‘oh, this is a disaster for Trinidad & Tobago because we have a refinery.’ But we all know that, unfortunately, the refinery had to be mothballed and put into preservation in 2018 because it was losing billions of dollars. What we have today is a small but meaningful deal with Jamaica.”

Young further explained that the agreement aligns with Caricom’s objectives. Paria has been purchasing fuel on the international market and profitably reselling it domestically and externally.

The decision to source fuel from Petrojam was also based on cost-effectiveness. However, he stressed that none of the fuel refined in Jamaica would be used in the domestic market—it is solely for bunkering operations, supporting vessels entering T&T’s waters. This deal represents only a small portion of Paria’s imports.

“Five hundred thousand barrels compared to the 17 million barrels Paria purchases annually—so this is complete mischief.

It changes nothing in a negative manner for Trinidad & Tobago. We could not refine this product profitably in the way we are purchasing and selling it now, and I have absolutely no hesitation in saying that I am proud.”

When asked why Jamaica appears to have more success in operating its refinery compared to T&T, Young explained that smaller refineries are simpler to manage.

During 2010-2015, a decline in domestic oil production meant Petrotrin had to purchase additional crude—up to 100,000 barrels per day by 2018—to sustain refinery operations. This resulted in significant losses, costing around US$8 million per day. Refineries worldwide are struggling with slim margins, with many shutting down due to unprofitability.

 

 

Sirju-Ramnarine leads the charge for Green Energy

4 Feb 2025

Joining NGC Green was more than just a career move for Toni Sirju-Ramnarine —it was the opportunity to create something transformational for Trinidad and Tobago and future generations, including her own children.

Appointed president of NGC Green on April 15 last year, Sirju-Ramnarine assumed the role a few months after the subsidiary of the National Gas Company was officially established.

Before assuming this position, Sirju-Ramnarine served as vice president of Atlantic LNG, having begun her 30-year career in the energy sector at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate.

Now, as president of NGC Green, she is focused on leading green initiatives across the region and diversifying T&T’s revenue streams.

“Even when deciding what to pursue for my Master’s studies, I considered specialising in environmental management. While my career took me into leadership roles, my interest in sustainability never waned.

Joining NGC Green felt like the right step at the right time. The opportunity to create something from scratch that can be transformational for our country, for my children and their generation, was hugely attractive.”

NGC Green, a 100% subsidiary of NGC, focuses solely on green energy and sustainability projects. Its primary mandate is to expand and accelerate the NGC’s pursuit of local, regional, and international opportunities in clean and renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transportation, alternative fuels, and research and development.

Sirju-Ramnarine said, “Our key initiatives include clean fuels for transportation, renewable energy projects, carbon reduction efforts and advancing research.

NGC Green is already involved in the country’s first utility-scale solar farm at Brechin Castle, which will come on stream this year and is part of the Wind Steering Committee for the development of an onshore wind project.

We’re also exploring renewable energy projects across the Caribbean. Our vision is to diversify T&T’s revenue streams, reduce reliance on hydrocarbons and direct natural gas where it adds the most value during this energy transition.

Very importantly, our plans also include building capabilities for green jobs and entrepreneurship, driving T&T’s transition to cleaner energy. We’ll prioritise innovation, sustainability, and partnerships to achieve our goals.”

To make NGC Green a key player in the renewable energy landscape, Sirju-Ramnarine emphasised focusing on the core mission: decarbonising T&T and supporting the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

“We aim to integrate existing efforts, build strategic partnerships locally and internationally and diversify our energy mix to include more renewable and clean energy sources.

T&T has long been a regional energy leader and we want to extend that leadership into clean energy. We’re also committed to developing local expertise, raising public awareness about environmental issues and promoting energy conservation and efficiency.

By fostering innovation and collaboration, we aim to transform the energy landscape in T&T and position the country as a leader in green energy solutions across the Caribbean.”

How it all began

As a young university student, she wasn’t sure what to study, but her interest in the sciences ultimately led her to pursue chemical engineering.

“I was also influenced by my father, who is an engineer and my aunt, who worked in the industrial sector at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate. Once I entered engineering, the petrochemical and gas sectors became my focus, as they were central to the country’s economy at the time. It was clear to me that this was where I wanted to build my career as an engineer.

“Over my 30-year career, I’ve worked exclusively in the energy sector—starting at Point Lisas Industrial Estate, then at Atlantic LNG, and now at NGC Green, which focuses on clean energy. Although passionate about engineering, my career evolved and my roles have varied widely.

I have found though that engineering taught me a problem-solving mindset, which applies to almost any challenge. With curiosity and a willingness to learn, I’ve been able to adapt and grow throughout my career and have truly embraced and enjoyed every aspect of it.”

Despite having spent her career exclusively in the energy sector, Sirju-Ramnarine also serves on the boards of Republic Bank Ltd and Agostini’s Ltd.

“Prior to that, I served two terms as president of the American Chamber of Commerce, as a director of the Dispute Resolution Centre, the Loan for Enterprise and Network Development and KS&P Ltd.

Mentorship is a significant part of my life. While I didn’t have formal mentors, many experienced professionals invested time in me, offering advice and opportunities that shaped my career, I now strive to do the same for others, particularly young women, as I recognise the unique challenges they face.

I also serve as a trustee on a non-profit organisation dedicated to preparing young people for the workforce.”

Sirju-Ramnarine studied chemical and process engineering at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, and earned an MSc in international management from King’s College London.

Her family is also a significant force in her life but she spends her time alone reading.

“My husband and three children are not only the backbone of my support, but also constantly challenge me and provide me with a deep sense of contentment that helps to put everything else in perspective.

In my alone time, I get my greatest joy from reading. It is a love that started when I was very young and nurtured by my mother, who when she couldn’t keep up with purchasing me books, introduced me to what I thought was heaven – the public library. Reading is my refuge and how I rejuvenate.”

Sirju-Ramnarine offered advice to young people in the sector and said while it is “natural to fear what you are not comfortable with, growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone”.

“It took me time to embrace discomfort, but now I see it as an opportunity to test myself and the limits I unwittingly impose on myself.

My advice is to identify that voice that introduces the self-doubt, silence it and jump into opportunities rather than shy away from them. With curiosity, a willingness to learn and confidence in your resilience, you will adapt and grow.”