How DeNovo Is Redefining Energy Innovation Through Renewable Integration, Local Leadership, and Decarbonisation
From the Caribbean’s first offshore platform powered entirely by renewable energy to low-carbon upstream production models designed for stranded gas fields, DeNovo is demonstrating how Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector can evolve toward a lower-carbon future while maintaining operational excellence.
Leading a New Era of Energy Innovation in Trinidad and Tobago
As the global energy sector accelerates toward decarbonisation, traditional hydrocarbon producers are increasingly under pressure to reduce emissions, improve operational efficiency, and align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) expectations.
In Trinidad and Tobago, DeNovo Energy Limited has emerged as one of the most innovative examples of low-carbon natural gas production Trinidad initiatives.
Despite being the smallest player in the country’s offshore upstream sector, DeNovo has gained international attention for its use of renewable energy integration, compact offshore infrastructure, and technology-driven field development strategies.
At the centre of this transformation is Joannah Nelson, DeNovo’s Business Services Manager, whose leadership philosophy is rooted in authenticity, innovation, continuous improvement, and people-centred growth.
“Authenticity in leadership is important. Authenticity is needed to responsibly lead high-performing businesses. DeNovo has challenged me to go beyond what I thought possible, to perform in all areas of the business, and to be a better leader.” — Joannah Nelson
DeNovo’s Role in Trinidad and Tobago’s Energy Transition
DeNovo is Trinidad and Tobago’s first and only local upstream natural gas producer.
The company owns and operates:
- The Iguana natural gas field
- The DeNovo Zandolie platform
- Offshore and onshore pipeline systems
- A Gas Processing Unit (GPU) on the Point Lisas Industrial Estate
The organization has become known for applying innovative engineering approaches to stranded natural gas field development in mature hydrocarbon basins.
Rather than relying on traditional large-scale infrastructure models, DeNovo has focused on smaller, technology-driven, lower-carbon facilities designed for efficiency, operational resilience, and reduced environmental impact.
This strategy has positioned the company as a leading example of decarbonisation in the upstream sector within the Caribbean.
Consecutive “Firsts” in Caribbean Energy Innovation
DeNovo’s reputation for innovation is closely tied to a series of engineering and operational “firsts” in Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector.
The DeNovo Zandolie Platform
In July 2022, DeNovo announced first gas from the DeNovo Zandolie platform, recognized as the Caribbean’s first offshore platform powered entirely by renewable energy.
The platform integrates:
- Solar power generation
- Wind energy systems
- 72-hour battery backup systems
- Remote operational technologies
Since production began, the platform has reportedly achieved 100% uptime with no unplanned outages.
The project has become a benchmark example of offshore renewable energy integration in the Caribbean energy industry.
How to Power Offshore Platforms With 100% Renewable Energy
For energy stakeholders asking, “How to power offshore platforms with 100% renewable energy?”, the Zandolie project provides a real-world case study.
The platform combines renewable power generation with advanced operational efficiency measures, allowing it to operate without traditional diesel-based offshore power systems.
Key features include:
- Solar photovoltaic power generation
- Offshore wind energy integration
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
- Compact platform design
- Remote monitoring technologies
- Reduced fuel storage requirements
- Lower steel utilization and smaller platform footprint
By eliminating conventional diesel generators and fuel storage systems, the project significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions and overall environmental impact.
The integration of BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) for offshore operations also reflects a growing global trend in renewable-powered industrial infrastructure.
Eliminating Methane Slip in Subsea Gas Transportation
One of the project’s most important environmental achievements was the elimination of methane slip during extraction and transportation.
Methane slip refers to the unintended release of methane gas during production, processing, or transportation operations.
Because methane is a significantly more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide over shorter time horizons, reducing methane emissions has become a major focus of global decarbonisation efforts.
According to DeNovo, the Zandolie project achieved no methane slip in the transportation of natural gas from extraction through processing.
This innovation contributes directly to low-carbon natural gas production Trinidad strategies and strengthens the project’s ESG performance profile.
The Iguana Development Model
Before Zandolie, DeNovo had already established itself as an innovator through the Iguana natural gas field development.
In 2018, the company announced first gas from the Iguana field, Trinidad and Tobago’s first offshore west coast natural gas field development.
The project also introduced the region’s first conductor supported platform Caribbean energy stakeholders had seen deployed offshore.
What Is a Conductor Supported Platform?
A conductor supported platform is a compact offshore structure designed for smaller-scale field developments.
Compared with traditional offshore platforms, conductor supported platforms can:
- Reduce construction costs
- Minimize environmental footprint
- Accelerate installation timelines
- Improve operational efficiency
- Support stranded natural gas field development
The Iguana project included:
- Three production wells
- Combined production capacity of approximately 80 MMSCFD
- A 45-kilometre offshore and onshore pipeline
- An onshore Gas Processing Unit at Point Lisas
The platform utilized solar panels and natural gas-powered thermoelectric systems rather than traditional diesel generators, helping reduce operational emissions.
Benefits of Unmanned Minimum Facilities Platforms for Stranded Gas
For operators researching the benefits of unmanned minimum facilities platforms for stranded gas developments, DeNovo’s approach offers several operational advantages.
These platforms:
- Reduce capital expenditure
- Lower operational emissions
- Minimize staffing requirements offshore
- Improve safety performance
- Enable more efficient development of smaller gas reserves
- Reduce maintenance costs
- Support remote operations and automation
This model has become increasingly relevant as mature hydrocarbon provinces seek economically viable ways to monetize smaller or previously stranded natural gas reserves.
Supply Chain Innovation During Global Pandemics
The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for the global energy industry.
For DeNovo, the Zandolie project became a test case for supply chain resilience, virtual collaboration, and adaptive project management.
The company coordinated engineering, procurement, logistics, construction, and installation activities globally while navigating pandemic-related restrictions.
Joannah Nelson’s leadership across procurement, logistics, materials management, risk, and project controls played a critical role in maintaining operational continuity.
The project:
- Spanned 31 months
- Employed approximately 371 people at peak construction
- Achieved Zero Loss Time Incidents (LTIs)
- Recorded more than 476,000 safe manhours
The experience reinforced the importance of digital collaboration systems, remote operational capability, and technology-enabled supply chain management within modern energy operations.
Local Content and Leadership in Trinidad and Tobago’s Energy Sector
DeNovo’s status as Trinidad and Tobago’s first local upstream producer also highlights the growing importance of local content in the country’s energy transition.
For stakeholders examining the role of local content in Trinidad and Tobago’s energy transition, DeNovo demonstrates how local expertise can successfully lead highly technical upstream projects to international standards.
According to Joannah Nelson, empowering employees and creating a culture of ownership has been central to the company’s success.
“We believe in our people. We believe in the capabilities of our people, and our people have proven that they can do the impossible to world-class standards.”
The organization’s emphasis on flexible work systems, mobile technology integration, and employee development also enabled the company to maintain operational continuity during periods of global disruption.
ESG Leadership and Decarbonisation in the Upstream Sector
DeNovo’s approach to decarbonisation in the upstream sector has earned significant regional recognition.
The company received:
- The “Best Decarbonisation Project 2022” award from the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago
- The “Green Agenda Award 2022” from the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce
These recognitions reflected the industry’s growing focus on ESG performance, operational sustainability, and emissions reduction.
The company’s strategy also aligns with Trinidad and Tobago’s national development objectives and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
NourishTT and Sustainable Community Impact
Beyond upstream operations, Joannah Nelson has also contributed to community development through her involvement as a founding member of NourishTT.
The NourishTT food waste initiative focuses on reducing hunger and minimizing food waste in Trinidad and Tobago.
The programme aligns closely with:
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Supported financially by DeNovo, the initiative has provided:
- Food assistance for vulnerable families
- Medical support
- School supplies
- Community outreach programmes
The initiative demonstrates how ESG-focused organizations are increasingly integrating community wellbeing, food security, and sustainability into broader corporate responsibility strategies.
Proman Group and the Low-Carbon Methanol Value Chain
As part of the Proman Group, DeNovo’s innovations also contribute to wider efforts aimed at reducing emissions across the petrochemical value chain.
Proman has emerged as a global leader in the development of low-carbon methanol and methanol as a marine fuel.
Compared with traditional marine fuels and some LNG applications, methanol can offer significantly lower carbon emissions.
Proman’s Trinidad and Tobago operations include the world-scale M5000 methanol plant, which produces low-carbon methanol through carbon recycling processes that utilize CO2 generated from nearby ammonia plants.
This integration demonstrates how upstream natural gas innovation, renewable energy integration, and cleaner petrochemical production can support broader decarbonisation objectives.
Towards Net Zero in the Caribbean Energy Sector
As global energy systems continue evolving, companies operating in traditional hydrocarbon industries are increasingly expected to demonstrate measurable progress toward emissions reduction and sustainable operations.
DeNovo’s approach illustrates how smaller upstream operators can contribute to net-zero ambitions through:
- Renewable energy integration
- Low-emissions infrastructure design
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
- Methane emissions reduction
- Compact offshore engineering
- Remote operational technologies
- Supply chain innovation
- Local content development
The company’s experience also demonstrates that innovation in the Caribbean energy sector can emerge from local leadership, collaborative thinking, and a willingness to challenge conventional operational models.
Authentic Leadership and the Future of Energy Innovation
At the heart of DeNovo’s success is a leadership philosophy centred on authenticity, empowerment, continuous learning, and innovation.
For Joannah Nelson, leadership is not simply about operational performance.
It is about helping people understand how their work contributes to a larger purpose.
“Our ‘We make a Difference’ tagline personally means a lot to everyone. For me, it means that as much as possible in everything I do, every decision I make, every action I take, and every conversation I have is centred around how we can make a difference and do things better.”
As Trinidad and Tobago continues navigating the realities of global energy transition, DeNovo’s model offers an example of how local companies can combine engineering innovation, ESG leadership, renewable integration, and people-centred culture to create long-term value.
References (LINKS)
DeNovo Energy Limited. (2024). Corporate sustainability and upstream innovation initiatives. https://www.denovoenergy.com
Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago. (2023). Best decarbonisation project award recipients. Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago. https://www.energy.tt
International Energy Agency. (2025). Methane emissions in the oil and gas sector. International Energy Agency. https://www.iea.org
International Renewable Energy Agency. (2025). Offshore renewable integration and industrial decarbonisation. IRENA. https://www.irena.org
Proman. (2025). Low-carbon methanol and marine fuel innovation. https://www.proman.org
United Nations. (n.d.). Sustainable Development Goals. United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. https://sdgs.un.org/goals
World Bank. (2025). Energy transition and upstream decarbonisation in developing economies. World Bank Group. https://www.worldbank.org
