BAVINA SOOKDEO

Every year on April 22, World Earth Day is celebrated. This year, the global theme Our Power, Our Planet rings especially relevant for the Caribbean - where the urgency of climate change meets the promise of renewable energy integration.

For Prof Sanjay Bahadoorsingh HBM, an expert in power systems and sustainable energy at The University of the West Indies at the St Augustine Campus, the theme goes far beyond symbolism.

'This theme resonates deeply with me because it underscores both our collective responsibility and efforts to shape a sustainable energy future.

'As an electrical engineer with a passion for power systems and sustainable energy, I see 'Our Power' as more than the electrical power generation but choices that we make to transition towards this sustainable energy future. 'Our Planet' reminds us that energy decisions today have global consequences, especially for vulnerable regions like the Caribbean.'

As an engineer, academic and policy advisor, Bahadoorsingh has had a front-row seat to the global clean energy conversation. He views the Earth Day call to triple renewable energy generation by 2030 as ambitious but attainable - if the world acts swiftly and together.

Overcoming challenges

'Achieving this very ambitious goal is possible, but it will require unprecedented collaboration and effort.' Bahadoorsingh explained that there are several challenges - 'One of the key challenges is grid modernisation, as many power systems currently lack the technological infrastructure that brings the flexibility needed to integrate high shares of variable renewable energy sources like solar and wind.

'Additionally, investment barriers pose a significant obstacle, particularly in emerging economies that struggle with limited access to financing and inadequate risk-sharing mechanisms. Policy and regulatory hurdles further complicate progress, with slow permitting processes and outdated utility models delaying necessary transitions often leading to missed targets, increased deployment costs and other technical bottlenecks.'

Bahadoorsingh also pointed to geopolitical headwinds: 'Compounding these challenges are the recent shifts in US energy policy, including the stated intention to revive coal-fired generation and the withdrawal from the Paris Accord. This move not only represents a departure from major carbon reduction commitments but also now makes uncertain critical funding sources that were expected to support global climate efforts. Without coordinated action and renewed commitment, these obstacles could severely hinder progress toward a sustainable energy future.'

Despite such hurdles, Trinidad and Tobago has made visible progress. Bahadoorsingh explained that while our heavy reliance on natural gas presents challenges, it also creates a unique opportunity to diversify our energy mix through strategic investments in renewables, energy storage and recently, hydrogen.

'With progressive policies and targeted funding, we can accelerate the transition to a more susta