Trinidad confirms deepwater round, plans solar call

Trinidad and Tobago will launch a deepwater licensing round this year, according to energy minister Stuart Young, confirming a previous announcement.

The official made the comment during the close of the shallow water licensing round, where he said that the planned round will offer blocks off the north, northeastern and eastern coasts of the country.

Young also announced that he will go to cabinet shortly with a draft request for proposals for another utility-scale solar project. Additional information was not disclosed.

Construction is underway on the 92MWac Brechin Castle photovoltaic plant managed by Lightsource bp, on behalf of the project owners, Shell, bp and NGC. Operations are scheduled to begin next year.

SHALLOW WATER ROUND

Four of the 13 blocks offered in the shallow water licensing round received offers.

The bidders were BP, EOG Resources and Shell (BG International), all of which already operate in Trinidad and Tobago.

The three companies submitted offers for block U(c), with EOG also vying for blocks NCMA 4(a) and Lower Reserve L, and BP after NCMA 2.

The successful bidders will be announced in four months.

Also read Trinidad reports uptick in natural gas resources