The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), through its Utilities and Sustainable Engineering (USE) Unit at the Point Lisas Campus in Brechin Castle, is advancing applied research and industry-driven innovation in the power generation and sustainable energy sectors. Through strategic collaboration with the Power Generation Company of Trinidad and Tobago (PowerGen), the USE Unit continues to strengthen engineering education while contributing practical solutions to real industry challenges.

The USE Unit integrates applied research directly into its programmes, ensuring that students graduate with both technical expertise and hands-on industry experience. Recent collaborations with PowerGen focused on projects aimed at improving energy efficiency, sustainability and operational resilience within the utility sector.

Research projects explored critical areas such as renewable energy integration, hydrogen systems, waste heat recovery and solar photovoltaic technology. These included the design of an alternative renewable energy system for powering a stand-alone hydrogen generator, a heat recovery and steam generation system for Siemens generating units at Point Lisas and the simulation of a solar PV system for industrial facilities. These initiatives reflect UTT’s commitment to developing engineering solutions that support national energy transition goals and sustainable industrial development.
The collaboration between UTT and PowerGen has also created a strong platform for knowledge exchange between academia and industry. By engaging directly with real operational challenges, students gain practical problem-solving experience while contributing innovative ideas with potential for implementation and measurable industry impact.

Building on this momentum, the USE Unit will launch a new Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Electromechanical Engineering in September 2026. Approved by both UTT’s Board of Governors and the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT), the programme is designed to address the growing demand for multidisciplinary engineers capable of integrating electrical, mechanical, automation and renewable energy systems.

The M.Sc. programme will offer advanced training in areas such as green technologies, energy conservation and management, advanced mechatronics, turbomachinery, computational fluid dynamics, power system reliability and resilience, electric drives and motor control, and energy systems modelling. Through research and industry-focused learning, graduates will be equipped to solve complex engineering challenges across modern industrial environments.

As industries worldwide transition toward cleaner, smarter, and more integrated systems, there is increasing demand for engineers who can bridge traditional disciplinary boundaries. UTT’s USE Unit is responding to this need by producing graduates who are not only technically competent, but also innovation-driven, research-oriented, and industry-ready.
With strong industry partnerships, applied research opportunities, and programmes aligned to the future of energy and engineering, the USE Unit offers students a unique opportunity to become part of the next generation of engineering leaders.

Prospective students seeking careers in renewable energy, utilities, automation, sustainable systems, and advanced engineering are encouraged to explore the programmes offered by the USE Unit - where education is connected to industry, research leads to impact, and innovation drives the future.

Supporting Academic Excellence in Future Engineers: (l-r) Dr Miguel Jagessar, Assistant Professor and Programme Leader, Utilities Engineering, UTT, Ariyan Taiju, PowerGen bursary winner for high academic performance at the NETD Level, Professor Rean Maharaj, President (Ag.), UTT; Mrs Marsha Mohammed, Head - Legal Advisory Services and Corporate Secretary PowerGen, Shivani Ragbir, PowerGen bursary winner for high academic performance at the B.A.Sc. Level, and Mr Eddy Nicholas, Manager, Outage Management, PowerGen during UTT’s Utilities and Sustainable Engineering Awards Ceremony at UTT Point Lisas Campus.