Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in Trinidad and Tobago: A First Step Towards the Establishment of a Regional Hub

Abstract Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) continues to be a significant energy producer in the Caribbean. As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), T&T also faces unique challenges from the effects of climate change. While the industrial sector contributes approximately 8% of the nation’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, there is a strategic opportunity to mitigate these emissions through Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). This initiative aims to develop a CCS hub in T&T by leveraging the proximity of major Carbon Dioxide (CO2) point sources to depleted oil and gas reservoirs. This initiative is also aligned with T&T national emission reduction goals and its position as a regional leader in CCS efforts. The University of the West Indies (UWI) and the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), in collaboration with local energy industries, government agencies, and international partners, initiated the development of a national CO2 Storage Atlas for T&T. The process started with theoretical volumetric assessments of depleted reservoirs, assuming the volume previously occupied by hydrocarbons and produced water is available for CO2 storage under specific conditions. A CO2 storage calculator was developed to estimate theoretical capacities based on reservoir bulk rock volume, rock properties, and fluid characteristics. Additionally, a workflow was developed and used as a guide for data collection and conducting the analysis. Efforts were complemented by establishing relationships with international partners so as to build local capacity and to provide support in the areas of data availability, any technical issues and funding constraints. Preliminary results from theoretical assessments show that T&T has significant storage potential in depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs for enabling the establishment of a CCS hub. This hub could support regional and international energy industries in achieving carbon credits while advancing climate change mitigation strategies. Challenges such as the unavailability of geological, production and reservoir data for some areas causes delay in project timelines and reliance on available analog data. The next phase involves detailed reservoir simulation models to refine storage capacity estimates and enhance project feasibility. This is the first CCS initiative in the Caribbean, paving a way for SIDS to address climate change through innovative emission reduction strategies. The development of a CO2 Storage Atlas for T&T represents a significant milestone, providing a foundation for future CCS projects and serving as a blueprint for other nations exploring similar initiatives. This collaboration highlights the critical role of local and international partnerships in advancing sustainable practices.