In an atmosphere of uncertainty brought on by falling energy revenues and dwindling gas reserves, hope still remains for Trinidad and Tobago’s economy through innovation and new technology.
I recently spoke with polymath and inventor Christopher Boodoosingh, who has filed a patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for an invention called “The Energy Tree – Integrated Thorium-Powered Green Fuel Synthesis System” (US Patent 63/972,950, filed April 23, 2025).
Mr Boodoosingh explained that his patent-pending design, once implemented, has the potential to transform Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector. The technology is designed to operate the country’s existing energy assets at maximum capacity while commanding a 30 to 50 per cent price premium in decarbonising global markets.
It is no secret that Trinidad and Tobago’s economy relies heavily on energy exports, particularly downstream products of natural gas such as methanol, ammonia, and LNG—commodities that together account for more than 60 per cent of total exports. Natural gas, composed primarily of methane (one carbon and four hydrogen atoms), is used to produce hydrogen for these industries, with the carbon often discarded as CO2.
For decades, local plants operated by companies such as Nutrien, Proman, and Methanex have produced “grey hydrogen” from natural gas for ammonia and methanol production at Point Lisas. However, the recent decline in natural gas output has significantly reduced production rates.
Mr Boodoosingh’s proposed solution is “Purple Hydrogen”, a clean, carbon-neutral hydrogen production method that uses heat from a Small Molten Salt Reactor (SMSR). His design provides an efficient process for creating hydrogen from seawater without relying on natural gas and without producing waste carbon. This innovation could allow Trinidad and Tobago to ramp up ammonia and methanol production to full capacity while fully complying with international climate commitments.
While the term “nuclear reactor” may raise eyebrows among environmentalists, Mr Boodoosingh proposes using thorium reactors, which are safer and cleaner than traditional uranium or plutonium-based systems. His patent describes a thorium molten-salt microreactor that generates heat to split seawater and produce hydrogen—a continuous, carbon-free feedstock with no meltdown risk.
Although Trinidad and Tobago currently lacks comprehensive nuclear legislation, an agreement signed on November 4, 1992 between the Government and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) allows for the development of peaceful nuclear activities within specific safeguards. The Government can engage the IAEA and other international experts to draft the necessary regulatory framework to implement safe, low-risk thorium reactors in support of the Purple Hydrogen initiative.
Trinidad and Tobago is uniquely positioned to benefit from this technology. The country already has an industrial base, skilled labour force, and existing plant infrastructure capable of immediately supporting Purple Hydrogen facilities. Unlike neighbouring countries such as Guyana and Suriname, which are still building their energy sectors, Trinidad and Tobago can begin producing low-carbon ammonia and methanol almost immediately.
“We’re leaving money in idle plant capacity,” Mr Boodoosingh said. “Purple hydrogen turns Point Lisas back on and sells methanol and ammonia at a premium to buyers who need to decarbonise.”
He predicts that the production of low-carbon ammonia and methanol could increase export values by US$6.8 billion annually, depending on market conditions.
According to Mr Boodoosingh, the next step is to launch a pilot project at Point Lisas to commercialise Green Methanol production, after which Purple Hydrogen can be scaled to supply the hydrogen needed to operate all ammonia and methanol plants at full capacity.
As a columnist, I strongly recommend that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago consider making the necessary legislative changes to facilitate this groundbreaking technology. Once foreign investment is secured, this initiative could eliminate the need to depend on the Venezuelan Dragon Gas field. Moreover, thorium molten-salt reactors could power not only hydrogen production but also AI data centres and other critical infrastructure, further diversifying the economy.
Replacing grey hydrogen with Purple Hydrogen would also allow hydrogen supplies to be redirected to Atlantic LNG, maximising production capacity and boosting GDP while improving the country’s foreign exchange position.
With innovators like Christopher Boodoosingh leading the way, Trinidad and Tobago’s economic future looks bright. Our grandchildren’s light bulbs may one day shine on—powered not by oil and gas, but by clean, sustainable Purple Hydrogen.
For more information, visit emerald-fuels.com
