News Releases

Caribbean’s First Hydrogen Symposium to Champion Sustainable Energy Transition in the Region

For Release Upon Receipt - September 21, 2023

St. Augustine


St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. September 21, 2023- Hydrogen, the clean energy frontier, is taking centre stage in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean region and is being spearheaded by the Hydrogen Research Collaborative (H2RC). The H2RC is a dynamic network committed to fostering research, innovation, and development in the realm of "New" Hydrogen — that is, hydrogen generated with a minimized or zero carbon footprint.

 The University of the West Indies (The UWI) along with The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) proudly stand as the first academic partners of H2RC, embarking on this transformative journey alongside Kenesjay Green Limited, the founding private sector partner.

 Under the theme "Developing Intelligence Towards Creating a Regional Hydrogen Industry," the Caribbean’s 1st Hydrogen Symposium aims to unite youth, academia, and industry stakeholders in pursuit of a sustainable energy transition. The symposium is set to take place on Thursday, September 21st, 2023, from 9 am to 5 pm at The UWI St. Augustine Campus.

 The shared vision is clear: to position the Caribbean Region as a global leader in adopting and adapting new hydrogen technologies, all while aligning education and research with the evolving needs of our region's energy industry.

 The Symposium will address critical themes including:

Local (Trinidad and Tobago): Exploring innovative solutions to meet natural gas demand through alternative sources of hydrogen.

Regional Transformation: Scaling up renewable energy to become a primary source for new hydrogen production in the Caribbean.

Global Sustainability: Tackling the surging demand for low-carbon hydrogen commodities and their pivotal role in reducing emissions tied to climate change.

 The symposium will also introduce the Professor Kenneth Julien Endowment Fund, dedicated to supporting students interested in pioneering the new field of hydrogen technology in support of the region's energy transition.

 The Hydrogen Symposium will serve as a platform for the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and findings. Members of academia, including students from both universities, will share current research insights. Key energy industry stakeholders will illuminate the background and relevance of the region's energy sector, offering valuable insights to the student community.

 Registration is now closed as the event is fully subscribed but interested persons can visit  https://youtube.com/live/7SEtpb-ppqw?feature=share to view the live stream of the event on Thursday 21st September, 2023 at 9am

 Join us in shaping a sustainable and hydrogen-powered future for Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean, and the world. Together, we will lead the way in sustainable energy transition.

 END

 About The University of the West Indies 

 The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development; residing at the centre of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region for the past 75 years.

 From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with near 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Open Campus, and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe.

 The UWI offers over 800 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and wider world.

 The UWI has been consistently ranked among the top universities globally by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). The UWI is the only Caribbean-based university to make the prestigious lists since its debut in the rankings in 2018. In addition to its leading position in the Caribbean in theWorld University Rankings , it is also in the top 25 for Latin America and the Caribbean and the top 100 global Golden Age universities (between 50 and 80 years old).  The UWI is also featured among the leading universities on THE’s Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Wellbeing; Gender Equality and Climate Action.

 2023 marks The UWI’s 75th anniversary. The Diamond jubilee milestone themed “UWI at 75. Rooted. Ready. Rising.” features initiatives purposely designed and aligned to reflect on the past, confront the present, and articulate plans for the future of the regional University. 

 Learn more at www.uwi.edu  

 

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