Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago Set for Crucial Energy Talks in February 2026

Introduction to Key Energy Discussions

Long-anticipated energy discussions between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago are officially scheduled to begin in February 2026. This was confirmed by Guyana's Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat, who extended an invitation to Trinidad and Tobago's Energy Minister, Dr. Roodal Moonilal, to attend the upcoming Guyana Energy Conference. The high-level talks are expected to take place during the Fifth Guyana Energy Conference & Supply Chain Expo, slated for February 17-20, 2026, at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.

Background of Bilateral Energy Cooperation

The upcoming discussions are a continuation of a history of energy cooperation between the two Caribbean nations. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on energy cooperation was previously signed in 2018, aiming to foster collaboration in the energy sector. The renewed focus on these talks comes as Guyana's oil and gas sector experiences a significant boom, with estimated recoverable oil reserves around 11 billion barrels by 2024 and daily production exceeding 600,000 barrels. In contrast, Trinidad and Tobago's energy sector has been grappling with challenges, including declining oil and gas production, which has impacted government revenue and GDP. This dynamic positions Guyana as a burgeoning energy powerhouse and T&T as a seasoned player seeking to leverage regional partnerships.

Ministers to Lead Discussions on Key Areas

Minister Vickram Bharrat, who also oversees Guyana's energy sector, confirmed his engagement with Minister Moonilal. While formal discussions on specific areas of collaboration are yet to commence, Minister Bharrat noted that Minister Moonilal had expressed interest in several areas, including the potential role of the Petrotrin Refinery. The broader agenda for the talks is expected to encompass critical aspects of regional energy security and economic development. Both countries are members of CARICOM, and energy collaboration has been a priority for the regional body.

The Guyana Energy Conference: A Platform for Regional Integration

The Fifth Guyana Energy Conference & Supply Chain Expo, where these bilateral talks will occur, is themed 'Building Tomorrow's Future Today'. The conference aims to bring together global leaders, industry experts, investors, and innovators to explore strategies for sustainable development and resilient economies. Key topics slated for discussion at the conference include:

• Leveraging Guyana's oil and gas resources to fund renewable energy projects and reduce carbon emissions.
• Strengthening partnerships to ensure energy security and economic resilience across the Caribbean.
• Cross-border energy trade and partnerships.
• Public-Private Partnerships in energy and infrastructure.
• Global best practices in energy policy and regulation.

The event is designed to foster forward-looking discussions and bridge gaps, connecting ideas across borders to promote a unified approach to the challenges and opportunities within the energy sector.