News Releases

Scotiabank Awards CAD$100,000 Grant to UWI for Groundbreaking Green Hydrogen Research

For Release Upon Receipt - April 21, 2026

St. Augustine


Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – [April 21, 2026]- The University of the West Indies (The UWI) St. Augustine Campus has received CAD$100,000 from Scotiabank’s Climate Action Research Fund (CARF) to advance research on decarbonizing Trinidad and Tobago’s petrochemical sector. This funding supports the H2-TTransform: SOEC Pilot for Petrochemical Decarbonization Project, a pioneering initiative that positions UWI as a regional leader in green hydrogen technology.

Established in 2021, Scotiabank’s Climate Action Research Fund grants approximately CAD $1 million annually to organizations conducting research and exploring climate-related initiatives. The Research Fund is part of the Bank’s efforts to distribute $25 million in community investments with organizations that support climate-related systems change and sector decarbonization by 2030.

The Climate Action Research Fund grant will help The UWI fund the installation of a lab-scale 4kW SOEC demonstrator at the University’s Thermodynamics Laboratory. This demonstrator will enable researchers to establish parameters for an industrial-scale pilot, build local expertise, and showcase the technology to industry stakeholders. The project is a collaboration between UWI, Niterra Co. Ltd., and Kenesjay Green Limited, combining academic research with private-sector innovation.

A lab-scale solid oxide electrolysis cell.

“At The UWI, we believe research must actively shape industries, influence policy, and create sustainable pathways for our region,” said Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, Principal of The UWI St. Augustine Campus. “This relationship with Scotiabank is a significant step toward advancing Trinidad and Tobago’s clean energy innovation.”

“It’s exciting to share this news, especially as Earth Day (April 22) approaches. Scotiabank is proud to support research that explores real-world solutions to climate challenges,” said Gayle Pazos, Senior Vice President and Head, Caribbean South and East and Managing Director, Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago. “Through the Climate Action Research Fund, we are supporting in projects like H2-TTransform that not only have the potential to support emissions reduction but also climate-related systems change for future generations.”

To date, more than 50 registered charities and non-profit organizations exploring climate-related research and opportunities for decarbonization have received funding from Scotiabank’s Climate Action Research Fund. For more information, visit Scotiabank.com/climate.

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About the UWI

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is the Caribbean’s premier higher education institution and one of only two regional universities in the world. With five campuses across the English-speaking Caribbean and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe, The UWI continues to be a beacon of academic excellence, research innovation, and societal impact. Consistently ranked among the world’s best by Times Higher Education (THE), The UWI is a global leader in addressing critical challenges, including climate change, sustainability, and development.

As The UWI St. Augustine Campus celebrates its 65th anniversary in 2025 under the theme Beyond 65: From the Caribbean, For the World, it pays tribute to its Caribbean roots while highlighting its contributions to solving global challenges. This milestone underscores the campus's significant role in producing ground-breaking research and fostering talent that transcends regional boundaries to shape a better world. The UWI St. Augustine’s researchers, academics, and graduates continue to make an international impact, exemplifying the university’s mission to serve the region while influencing the world.

 Learn more at www.uwi.edu 

 About Scotiabank

Scotiabank's vision is to be our clients' most trusted financial partner and deliver sustainable, profitable growth. Guided by our purpose: "for every future," we help our clients, their families and their communities achieve success through a broad range of advice, products, and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With assets of approximately $1.5 trillion (as at October 31, 2025), Scotiabank is one of the largest banks in North America by assets, and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BNS) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit http://www.scotiabank.com and follow us on X @Scotiabank.

SOURCE The Bank of Nova Scotia

 

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