Let the Sun In: How Re-Energize TnT Is Advancing Renewable Energy Education in Trinidad and Tobago
Shell, NGC, and RENEW T&T Are Empowering the Next Generation of Youth Energy Advocates
As Trinidad and Tobago navigates the global energy transition, renewable energy education and sustainability awareness are becoming increasingly important for preparing future generations to lead in a low-carbon economy. Through innovative school partnerships, clean energy training, and youth advocacy initiatives, the Re-Energize TnT programme is helping students across the country develop the green skills needed for a more sustainable future.
Led by Shell Trinidad and Tobago and The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NGC), and implemented by RENEW T&T, the initiative combines renewable energy education, sustainability advocacy, and community innovation to inspire a new generation of youth energy leaders (Corporate Sustainability Review, 2024).
The programme reflects a growing commitment within Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector to support climate action, energy efficiency, and the country’s transition toward a net-zero carbon future.
What Is Re-Energize TnT?
Re-Energize TnT is a renewable energy education programme designed to increase awareness and understanding of clean energy technologies among secondary school students in Trinidad and Tobago.
The programme introduces students to topics including:
- Renewable energy systems
- Energy conservation and efficiency
- Climate-smart agriculture
- Solar and wind energy
- Electric vehicles
- Sustainable community development
- Advocacy and stakeholder engagement
Through workshops, mentorship, seminars, and project-based learning, students are encouraged to become advocates for renewable energy and sustainable living within their schools and communities (Corporate Sustainability Review, 2024).
The programme also aligns with broader global sustainability priorities, including Sustainable Development Goal 7 and Sustainable Development Goal 13 (United Nations, 2023).
Building Youth Energy Advocates in Trinidad and Tobago
One of the central goals of Re-Energize TnT is to create a network of youth energy advocates who are equipped with the knowledge and leadership skills needed to support Trinidad and Tobago’s energy transition.
Students participating in the programme receive training not only in renewable energy technologies but also in:
- Public speaking and presentation skills
- Community mobilisation
- Stakeholder engagement
- Sustainability advocacy
- Leadership and teamwork
According to Ryssa Brathwaite, the initiative supports Shell’s objective of inspiring young people to become more environmentally conscious while empowering them to make positive contributions within their communities (Corporate Sustainability Review, 2024).
The programme’s emphasis on workforce readiness also helps students explore future sustainability careers, including green jobs in Trinidad and Tobago related to solar energy, energy efficiency, environmental management, and climate innovation.
Renewable Energy Programs in Trinidad and Tobago Schools
Over the last two years, Re-Energize TnT has actively engaged students from schools across Trinidad and Tobago, including institutions in:
- Mayaro
- Woodbrook
- San Fernando
- Moruga
- Couva
- East Port of Spain
The initiative uses a STREAM-based educational model, integrating Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics into sustainability learning and innovation activities.
While STREAM education provides a creative interdisciplinary framework, the programme also strongly supports STEM and STEAM education principles that are increasingly important for preparing students for careers in science, technology, and renewable energy industries.
How Solar PV Systems Work in Schools
A major feature of the Re-Energize TnT programme is the installation of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems at participating schools.
What Is a Solar PV System?
A Solar PV system converts sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic panels. These systems help reduce dependence on traditional fossil fuel-generated electricity while lowering operational energy costs and carbon emissions.
Benefits of solar panels for schools in the Caribbean include:
- Reduced electricity bills
- Lower carbon footprints
- Increased energy efficiency
- Enhanced sustainability education opportunities
- Reliable renewable energy generation
- Practical STEM learning experiences
At Mayaro Secondary School, students successfully secured a Solar PV installation for their school library after winning the programme’s Energy Saver Star Competition (Corporate Sustainability Review, 2024).
The project not only improved energy efficiency within the school but also created hands-on learning opportunities that allowed students to better understand renewable energy technologies and sustainability practices.
The Renewable Energy Idea Incubator
Another innovative feature of Re-Energize TnT is the Renewable Energy Idea Incubator managed by RENEW T&T.
The incubator gives students the opportunity to develop renewable energy solutions for real community challenges. Participants collaborate on sustainability-focused projects while receiving mentorship and guidance from industry professionals.
Students are evaluated based on:
- Attendance and participation
- In-class assessments
- Energy audit performance
- Creative renewable energy assignments
- Community project proposals
Winning schools and students receive prizes, financial support, and accredited certificates from the Association of Business Executives (Corporate Sustainability Review, 2024).
The programme demonstrates how youth-focused sustainability initiatives can support innovation, leadership development, and practical problem-solving while preparing students for emerging green careers.
Supporting Trinidad and Tobago’s Energy Transition
The Re-Energize TnT programme also reflects broader national efforts to diversify Trinidad and Tobago’s energy mix and support renewable energy adoption.
According to Shell Trinidad and Tobago, solar energy is expected to play an increasingly important role in the country’s long-term energy strategy. Shell is currently collaborating with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, bp Trinidad and Tobago (bpTT), and The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NGC) on renewable energy projects intended to support the country’s near-term target of generating up to 10% of its electricity from renewable sources (Corporate Sustainability Review, 2024).
As Caribbean nations increasingly confront climate change, rising energy costs, and global decarbonisation pressures, programmes like Re-Energize TnT demonstrate how education, corporate sustainability, and community engagement can work together to support long-term energy resilience.
Renewable Energy Education and the Future Workforce
The graduates of Re-Energize TnT represent more than just programme participants — they are part of a growing generation of environmentally conscious youth equipped to lead the Caribbean’s transition toward a cleaner energy future.
Through renewable energy training, leadership development, and sustainability advocacy, the programme is helping students become more aware of how individual behaviours and community action contribute to environmental outcomes.
Importantly, initiatives like these also help prepare students for the future workforce by introducing them to emerging sustainability careers and green technologies that are expected to become increasingly important within both regional and global economies (International Renewable Energy Agency [IRENA], 2023).
The long-term goal is not only to educate students about renewable energy but also to inspire bold thinking, innovation, and community leadership in pursuit of a net-zero carbon future.
References
- Corporate Sustainability Review. (2024). Let the sun in! Shell and NGC’s Re-Energize TnT is brightening lives across communities. Corporate Sustainability Review 2023–2024, 35–36.
- International Renewable Energy Agency. (2023). Renewable energy and jobs: Annual review 2023. IRENA. https://www.irena.org
- United Nations. (2023). Sustainable Development Goals: Goal 7 – Affordable and clean energy. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal7
United Nations. (2023). Sustainable Development Goals: Goal 13 – Climate action. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal13