)
Michelle Des Etages
Founder/Chief Executive Officer,
Renaissance Energy Limited (REL)
Michelle des Etages is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance Energy Limited (REL), a 100% family-owned independent oil producer in Trinidad and Tobago. Since its establishment in 2018, REL has grown into a resilient player in the country’s upstream sector, managing the Barrackpore Farmout Block and recently executing a
successful drilling campaign, phase 1 involving the drilling of three wells, all of which delivered commercial hydrocarbon quantities. An accountant by profession, Michelle entered the energy sector in 2016, bringing with her a disciplined approach to financial management and strategic planning. She has since steered REL from two producing wells at inception to twelve active wells today while securing key environmental approvals for infill drilling and enhanced oil recovery projects, including carbon dioxide injection initiatives. Under her leadership, the company emphasizes operational efficiency, sustainability, and the integration of community engagement into its long-term growth strategy.
Michelle’s personal journey has been marked by resilience and determination. As a mother of two, she balanced family responsibilities with the demands of building a
business in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Her leadership style is characterized by adaptability, transparency, and a strong commitment to developing people. She
believes in leading by example, acknowledging mistakes openly, and fostering a culture of continuous learning. Beyond operations, Michelle has made Corporate Social Responsibility a cornerstone of REL’s mission. The company supports youth scholarships, athletics, environmental initiatives, and training opportunities for employees’ dependents, reflecting her conviction that energy companies must invest in the broader well-being of the communities they serve. Through Renaissance Energy Limited, Michelle des Etages continues to champion the role of locally owned companies in shaping Trinidad and Tobago’s energy future while setting a powerful example of female leadership in the oil and gas sector.
successful drilling campaign, phase 1 involving the drilling of three wells, all of which delivered commercial hydrocarbon quantities. An accountant by profession, Michelle entered the energy sector in 2016, bringing with her a disciplined approach to financial management and strategic planning. She has since steered REL from two producing wells at inception to twelve active wells today while securing key environmental approvals for infill drilling and enhanced oil recovery projects, including carbon dioxide injection initiatives. Under her leadership, the company emphasizes operational efficiency, sustainability, and the integration of community engagement into its long-term growth strategy.
Michelle’s personal journey has been marked by resilience and determination. As a mother of two, she balanced family responsibilities with the demands of building a
business in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Her leadership style is characterized by adaptability, transparency, and a strong commitment to developing people. She
believes in leading by example, acknowledging mistakes openly, and fostering a culture of continuous learning. Beyond operations, Michelle has made Corporate Social Responsibility a cornerstone of REL’s mission. The company supports youth scholarships, athletics, environmental initiatives, and training opportunities for employees’ dependents, reflecting her conviction that energy companies must invest in the broader well-being of the communities they serve. Through Renaissance Energy Limited, Michelle des Etages continues to champion the role of locally owned companies in shaping Trinidad and Tobago’s energy future while setting a powerful example of female leadership in the oil and gas sector.
Sessions