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Shell and NGC's Re-Energize TnT is brightening lives across communities
LET THE SUN IN!
Shell Trinidad and Tobago (Shell), the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NGC) and students across Trinidad and Tobago are shining their light on a bright future as these STREAMers are working together to find innovative solutions to how we power up with reduced emissions and increased energy efficiency.
Welcome to ‘Re-Energize TnT’, a renewable energy programme, which aims to engage youth to build a greater awareness and deeper understanding of the value of renewable energy and the role it can play in the energy transition.
By working with schools Re-Energize TnT, is establishing a cadre of youth energy advocates who are trained and equipped to be champions of energy efficiency and renewable technologies.
It all begins with a learning exchange between the Re-Energize team and high-school students.
About the Programme
The Re-Energize TnT programme teaches students about the importance of energy conservation and efficiency, climate smart agriculture, solar and wind energy and electric vehicles, among other energy related topics.
They also participate in guided seminars on renewable energy and energy sustainability, are mentored and have an opportunity to receive financial grants to design clean energy initiatives for their communities. They are taught life skills such as presentation skills, stakeholder engagement, and the basics in community mobilization and advocacy, equipping them for the workforce of the future.
Ryssa Brathwaite, Shell’s Social Performance and Social Investment Advisor, says the project helps Shell deliver on its ambition to inspire, educate and energize young people on the importance of protecting the environment, conserving energy and being conscious enough to want to improve and make a positive impact in their communities. The RE Energize TnT programme will produce exceptional students who are poised to become advocates for renewable energy at home, at school and in their communities.
Student Advocates and a Net-Zero World
Collaboration, innovation and courage are at the heart of the Re-Energize TnT project. Shell and The NGC seek to create energy-conscious and energy-enthused students equipped to lead a clean energy future and create a netzero world.
Over the last two years, participating students came from Mayaro, Woodbrook, San Fernando and Moruga. The most recent cadre were selected from Couva and East Port of Spain. This means that the project would have actively engaged with students from six schools from across the nation.
Being from Trinidad there is an abundance of sunshine and an infinite number of bright, creative young persons, that’s why Re-Energize TnT is teaching them how to turn on the heat and tune into ideas to generate power and find solutions for better energy efficiency.
With the National Gas Company Limited, Shell’s goal is to deliver on the purpose of providing more and cleaner energy, and advocate for energy efficiency, while having a positive impact on communities. Alongside the development of natural gas resources, Shell expects that solar will play a significant role in Trinidad and Tobago’s energy mix. Shell is collaborating with the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, BP and the NGC on a solar project that will support the country’s near-term goal of up to 10% renewable energy for power generation.
RENEW’s Energy Evolution
RENEW T&T was commissioned by Shell and NGC to deliver the Re-Energize TnT programme. Endorsed by the Ministry of Education, the three-year programme will conclude in December 2024.
RENEW T&T is a not-for-profit organization with a mission “to drive the energy revolution throughout the Caribbean, by pioneering sustainable renewable energy projects and models; promoting energy efficiency technology; and supporting countries to implement transformational policies and regulations to increase renewable energy production and usage.”
Every year RENEW gives student enthusiasts an opportunity to be part of an Idea Incubator program where ideas are not only pooled, but where renewable energy solutions for communities are being tested and developed.
The winning school also gets a solar PV system. To win the solar PV system, students from two schools are graded according to attendance, participation, in class assessments and performance in the Energy Saver Star Competition (Energy Audit). The school with the higher total score will receive the solar PV system and a challenge trophy.
Saving the Planet
To be selected to participate in the Idea Incubator, students are assessed on performance in an end of term test and a creative at home project assignment on renewable energy. The school with the top cumulative score gets invited to participate in the Idea Incubator. The Idea Incubator enables students to design and execute a Renewable Energy Community Project. Further prizes are awarded for students who receive the highest assessment scores, as well as students who demonstrate the most enthusiasm for the program. Sustained online social media support the project with webinars, segments, and info graphics about energy saving tools, the school's programme and community projects.
The graduates of the Re-Energize TnT project will be a cadre of young persons who are knowledgeable and skilled in efficient energy use; who become advocates for renewable energy and are willing to use initiatives towards sustainable community-based energy solutions. It is hoped that it will make the students more mindful and sensitive to the impacts of personal practices on the environment.
The best outcome will be a pool of young persons with the courage to challenge the status quo and take bold and innovative steps to help us make this country fit for our future in a net zero carbon world.
