Energy Correspondent
The Trinidad Express
PORT
SPAIN
Petroleumworld.com
02 19 06
A Comprehensive Economic Development Plan has been developed
for Tobago which places special attention to the use of natural
gas as an engine for economic growth and diversification. So
said Chief Secretary Orville London in his address to the Trinidad
and Tobago Petroleum Congress last week.
In
a wide ranging address, London spoke of the imperative of diversification
for Tobago, the sea of opportunities opened up by natural gas
and the update on developments as they stand today. He reminded
those present that their current image of Tobago as only a "
getaway paradise" is changing.
Defining
Tobago as a tourist island in the energy based economy of Trinidad
and Tobago, London said that Tobago had a responsibility to
" diversify away from that total dependence on tourism.
It also had a further responsibility to diversify in a manner
that would preserve, and even enhance, the pristine environment
that has prompted Tobagonians to label the island " The
Capital of Paradise". London asserted that" natural
gas is going to fuel a new phase of economic development, without
prejudicing our commitment to maintaining a Tobago that is Clean,
Green, Safe and Serene".
London
said that " the process is well underway for the landing
of a natural gas pipeline at Cove Point in Southwest Tobago,
and this would have an immediate impact in a number of areas,
not least of which is a reliable supply of electricity via two
(2) submarine cables between Toco and Tobago that have a capacity
of 25 megawatt (MW). In addition, the Scarborough Power Station
had a standby capacity of 10.7 MW. Despite the added sources,
peak demand outstrips current supply, and the present rate of
development in Tobago suggests that peak demand would increase
further. With the natural gas option closer to realisation,
T&TEC has been allocated land at Cove Point, and is in the
process of obtaining the necessary approvals for the construction
of a gas powered facility on the site. Quoting from the Economic
Development Plan, London added that " the generation of
electricity from "the landed natural gas is an integral
component of the future development of Tobago". An increased
and reliable source of electricity could be expected to meet
local demands, and may allow Tobago to be a supplier in the
natural electricity power grid. The report also notes that with
a "reliable electricity supply, Tobago can attract IT operations
and other industry requiring unbroken and consistent supply,
free of surges". (CEDP, p. 91)
London
said that the landing of natural gas and the availability of
clean, affordable energy would facilitate the development of
Cove Estate as an eco-industrial park. The Estate comprises
about one hundred and forty (140) acres of flat land and is
located in close proximity to the Crown Point airport and the
capital town of Scarborough. The park is at the approval of
the design phase, allocation lot size based on relevant business
applications.
The
Plan identified the development of the Cove Estate as being
critical to the growth of the manufacturing sector in Tobago.
The development of the Estate would be contingent on its being
able to generate investor interest. The availability of reliable
electricity, along with a concerted effort at securing the appropriate
mix of skilled workers, can make the Cove Estate ideal for specific
industries seeking to be located in a clean environment. London
said that a number of other industrial sites were under study
for the development of other Eco-Industrial estates in Tobago.
He
stressed that " the Tobago House of Assembly will only
target firms that satisfy the standards consistent with our
concept of an eco-industrial park, where member businesses seek
enhanced environmental, economic, and social performance through
collaboration in managing environment and resource issues".
London revealed that a project involving the use of the innovative
technology of methanol-to-power could soon be piloted at the
Cove Eco-Industrial Park.
London
also identified the opportunities for natural gas to support
efforts at branding Tobago as a " clean green destination".
In particular, he noted the possibility of utilising environmentally
friendly CNG extensively in Tobago. " Tobago could possibly
become the first island in the world in which as much as 60
per cent of the vehicles, including the entire public transportation
fleet, might be powered by environmentally 'friendly fuel'.
London shared the view that the vision of a Green Tobago was
much more than a tourism slogan. It could also drive transformation
in agriculture and fisheries, education, health care, and sports
tourism.
In
closing, London noted that "this will require a review
of the legislative framework, appropriate training and education
opportunities for Tobagonians, sensitisation of visitors, development
of specialised institutes, requisite funding, and, just as importantly,
the capacity to broker meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships
with partners who are also committed to our vision of a developed
"Clean, Green, Safe and Serene" Tobago that could
still lay claim to the title "Capital of Paradise".
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