From Gas to Green: Trinidad and Tobago’s Next Energy Shift

Trinidad and Tobago is the largest exporter of ammonia in the world. In 2024, the country produced more than 4 million tons and exported almost all of it, which created substantial foreign exchange in the process. Most ammonia usually goes into the production of fertilizers and other uses. A NewsDay report article states Trinidad and Tobago are in perfect condition for the clean maritime fuel industry. The TT Energy Chamber hosted the Caribbean sustainable energy conference on June 2, and experts stated TT is in a perfect position to capitalize on the changing elements of the global maritime sector. Dr. Tristan Smith of the UCL Energy Institute stated the Caribbean could use many pathways to decarbonize the sector in the region. 

The United States is the largest export market of ammonia, accounting for almost 25% of the exports. Due to its natural gas reserves and vast agricultural demand, and robust infrastructure, these factors drive a competitive domestic market for ammonia. Other significant countries include Morocco, Switzerland, and Mexico. With current scientific innovations on hydrogen and ammonia, Trinidad and Tobago can be an interesting partner for collaboration on effective transportation for various industries, especially maritime. 

Other major trading segments of importers of ammonia are the European Union and the United Kingdom. According to The Energy Chamber, the combined volume of their trade is 21% and both regions are currently implementing Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAMs). The EU introduced new taxes on imports of petrochemicals and other products, mainly ammonia and cement, based on the carbon emissions associated with the particular product. The UK then followed with similar taxes. The measures of the issue are addressing carbon leakage by adjusting commodity prices to ensure producers do not avoid carbon taxes imposed against domestic production in the importing market. This is a serious challenge to petrochemical producers since more jurisdictions are introducing similar measures. 

Ammonia production generates CO₂ as a byproduct and has a high carbon intensity. There are two ways to reduce its carbon footprint, but they both require significant investment. According to Carbon Capture and Sequestration, those ways include substituting green hydrogen produced from green electricity and water, as well as capturing the CO₂ produced and sequestering it either underground in depleted oil or gas reservoirs. The plans include dedveloping a green hydrogen plant in Pt. Lisas and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) projects in Trinidad. The project goals are to meet CBAM requirements and develop further low carbon initiatives in the country. That crucial step is to implement a robust national system of monitoring, reporting, and verifying emissions, usually called the MRV system. Trinidad and Tobago needs a national legislated MRV system to be enforced. The Energy Chamber states they are committed to working with all members and government to make sure the MRV is legislated and functional. Sustained trade is a crucial issue to address as the largest exporter of ammonia in the world. 

As mentioned earlier, hydrogen power is more useful for the maritime industry. Ammonia can be the answer for utilizing hydrogen for maritime operations. From the Princeton Plasma Physics Labaratory, Ammonia is used in fertilizer in multiple industrial processes due to it being safer than hydrogen gas for storing and transporting energy. Scientists have created a material that boosts ammonia production using plasma. Synthesis and decomposition methods are important to extract hydrogen from the ammonia. Hydrogen has a low energy density and it is challenging to move around, while ammonia has a higher energy density and can be transported over longer distances. 

With the Heterogenous Interfacial Complexion (HIC) catalyst production, this makes the ammonia production process more efficient, while also improving carbon emissions. This new method for scientists can be very crucial to larger ammonia exporter markets, especially Trinidad and Tobago. The maritime industry benefits from hydrogen and ammonia through decarbonization efforts. Companies developing needed technology and infrastructure also stand to gain, such as engine manufacturers, fuel providers, and shipbuilders. The environmental benefits include reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and regulatory bodies and governments can achieve climate goals. Through the general purpose of the Prometheus Maritime Project and potential collaboration with Trinidad, this can create many shared goals that build a stronger relationship, including decarbonization and regulatory compliance.