Sustainable energy policies can be expensive – just ask Petrotrin, which is investing $1.3 bn to upgrade its Pointe à Pierre refinery to produce higher quality petroleum products.

The Gasoline Optimisation Programme represents one of the most significant investments in Trinidad in terms of sustainable energy. As well as being expensive, Petrotrin is hoping the investment will also make it more profitable.

The programme, which is due to be completed in February, will enable the company to supply international markets with more environmentally friendly petrol and will also lead to a significant improvement in the refinery's own energy efficiency.

Another local firm, the National Petroleum Marketing Company, is developing a network of compressed natural gas stations, offering cleaner-burning fuel to motorists.

Such measures are being encouraged by the government, which has been drawing up a national energy policy based on the three pillars of competitiveness, security and sustainability.

Energy Minister Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan said in a speech to the Energy Council in July 2010 that the government was also keen to develop carbon capture and storage initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The carbon dioxide could be re-injected into oil wells as part of an enhanced oil recovery programme. This could, she said, help to reduce carbon emissions and allow for more efficient use of energy resources.

Although that too is likely to be expensive, the alternative to sustainable practices could be even more costly if Trinidad uses up its reserves without making the most of them.

GREEN CORPORATE LEADERS

• Petrotrin - Upgrading the Pointe à Pierre refinery to cut carbon monoxide emissions and produce cleaner petrol.
  
  
• Repsol YPF - Conducting studies on its offshore blocks to identify species and habitats and categorise them by their importance and sensitivity.
  
  
• National Petroleum Marketing Company - Developing a network of service stations to offer cleaner-burning compressed natural gas as fuel.
  
  
• University of Trinidad & Tobago - The university is spearheading research into green energy technology and the efficient use of energy sources.