The supply and demand of continuous energy for an entire country is no easy feat. However, located on the dual Islands of the Caribbean, National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago has made it seem like a breeze for over 40 years. As a major industry in the region, they are an indispensable force for the many flourishing sectors of the Caribbean nation.
Known more simply as National Energy, they have been working tirelessly since their incorporation as a 100% subsidiary of a neighbouring national body, the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (TBC). National Energy was first formed in 1979, to help develop the country’s energy resources and monetise energy supply. However, the company continued to flourish as it began taking on extra responsibilities, including the nation’s infrastructure in the marine and industrial sectors, which sparked a long timeline of successes. Alongside major projects, such as the construction of petrochemical plants, 1999 also marked a considerable increase in business as the company was re-operationalised and given an expanded mandate. Further expansion occurred five years later with the escalation of energy-related projects in Trinidad and Tobago. Subsequently, the company rebranded in 2013 to encapsulate its wider responsibilities and modern approach.
With such a history of expansion, National Energy places great effort in achieving its mandate: to “conceptualize, promote, develop and facilitate new energy-based and downstream industries.” Considering that a majority of the company’s energy is put into oil and gas, they are also dedicated to maintaining the necessary infrastructure that is in place to support such operations, including deepwater ports and marine assets. To this end, the utilisation of harbour ports is vital for the shipping of natural gas, which is a major export of the dual island.
A noteworthy example can be found in Port Galeota. Recently completed, the project totalled a staggering $100 million and took place alongside improvements being made to the island’s existing Port of Brighton. These two projects accelerated the marine industry and National Energy’s subsequent responsibility in creating an efficient marine industry in Trinidad and Tobago.
In recent years, the oil and gas industry has come under fire for its contribution as a carbon emitter. In order to combat this, National Energy has put considerable thought into its carbon footprint. This is indicated by its commitment to “the sustainability of the local and regional energy sectors through the development of gas and energy-based industries while providing the associated infrastructure to support these industries.” Thus, National Energy not only provides energy but does so in a way that is sustainable and better for the planet.
Such goals are achieved by the careful re-navigation of their energy efficiency. An example of this can be found in the reduction of waste, which subsequently reduces inefficient energy and environmental impact. By looking into this issue, National Energy has launched a Super ESCO efficiency model which reduces wasteful emissions. In the implementation of this new model, National Energy hopes to improve not only its own energy efficiency, but spread a positive message across the country, whilst promoting similar approaches to other companies in the industry. This is conducted with an internationally developed model, which includes research, marketing, and education, as well as facilitating private sector investment in energy efficiency programmes, therefore generating many positive steps in the industry.
The developments that have so far been mentioned are exciting steps in the advancement of not only National Energy, but the region overall, as it is an indicator of the growing influence Trinidad and Tobago has in the global market. This is particularly pertinent as National Energy hopes to expand its global presence in the future: “National Energy is well positioned as the force that will drive the expansion of the energy sector into the future. The company is taking a proactive approach in promoting Trinidad and Tobago’s energy brand regionally and internationally, as well as continuing to execute the development of energy projects and infrastructure under the guidance of the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries.” Consequently, with such an influential pillar of support, National Energy can continue to revolutionise the local energy sector.
Alongside its commitments to its green footprint, National Energy is also committed to honouring its CSR. When speaking to us, the company pledged that “National Energy will be a leader and innovator in the field of CSR, creating a shared value for the company and its multiple stakeholders, with a focus on socio-economic development and human development, whilst supporting initiatives which preserve the national identity and heritage and will seek to be sustainable in the way we conduct our daily operations and in the social interventions we develop, implement and support.” The company-sponsored Energy Efficiency Audit and Solar PV Training is a testament to such words, as it conducts training for the residents of its fence line communities. These training programmes reflect the company’s commitment to ensuring its fence line communities are well-equipped with the skills necessary to continue to harbour benefits in energy transition.
Looking to the future and driving forward innovation is a respected asset in the company. Indeed, National Energy has amassed four decades of market-leading expertise, which is admirable in an overtly saturated industry. Therefore, by proactively working for the community, and industry that it serves, there are certainly some great times for National Energy.
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