A partnership that includes oil supermajors BP and Shell has submitted the winning bid to build two utility-scale solar projects in Trinidad & Tobago, the Caribbean nation's prime minister said on Wednesday.

One project will be 92MW and the other 20MW, Prime Minister Keith Rowley said during remarks at a virtual conference.

The projects will generate electricity at a cost that is "on par" with current prices in Trinidad & Tobago, he added.

BP holds a 50% stake in the third partner on the project, solar development specialist Lightsource BP.

"The involvement of major energy players with the expertise and track record of managing large projects bodes well for this particular utility scale renewable energy project and will set the tone for the renewable industry in Trinidad & Tobago," Rowley said.

"The government is committed and we have good and big partners in this business."

Shell and BP did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Both oil giants have signalled a greater exposure to renewables as part of corporate net-zero targets.

Rowley also indicated there could be more renewable activity in the area from BP. The prime minister said he had met with BP chief executive Bernard Looney earlier this year.

"During our meeting, we had rich discussions on the future of renewable energy and the possibility of partnership in this area for Trinidad & Tobago," Rowley said.

Trinidad & Tobago is pursuing its own carbon reduction goals, which include a reduction in overall emissions from the power generation, industrial and transportation sectors by 15% by 2030. That is equivalent to about 103 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, Rowley said.

The government is committed to reducing this country's greenhouse gas emissions through the use of cleaner forms of energy, the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency, Rowley said during his address.

This article first appeared in Recharge's sister publication Upstream

Transition

Oil giants Shell and BP link for winning utility-scale solar bid