The National Gas Company (NGC) of Trinidad and Tobago wants to be a partner for emerging natural gas producers in the region, especially in Guyana and Suriname. With global energy shifting towards lower-carbon fuels like natural gas, which is expected to grow as coal and heavy crude decline, the NGC Chairman, Dr. Joseph Ishmael Khan, believes that NGC’s extensive experience could benefit these neighboring countries as they move to develop their gas resources, EnergyNow reported.
The NGC Group, operating across the full natural gas value chain, brings considerable expertise. For instance, NGC’s subsidiaries offer skills in gas merchandising, engineering, and infrastructure maintenance, along with capabilities in asset integrity and project management. The Group has a history of exporting its technical know-how internationally, having managed a complex gas infrastructure project in Ghana, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, EnergyNow reported. Dr. Khan said NGC could deliver similar expertise to Guyana and Suriname, helping them manage and maximize their gas potential.
According to recent data from energy analytics firm Wood Mackenzie, Guyana and Suriname could supply up to 12 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by the next decade. This would contribute around 11% of the expected 105 MMTPA global LNG supply-demand gap by 2035, filling a critical gap in projected supply. Guyana’s Haimara cluster and Suriname’s Block 52 are key areas holding an estimated 13 trillion cubic feet of gas, WoodMac said.
While both countries are still weighing their options and have yet to make final investment decisions, incentives are being introduced to foster growth. Suriname, for example, has offered a 10-year tax break for gas projects, while Guyana has begun discussions with U.S.-based Fulcrum LNG for potential offshore development. Guyana and Suriname’s proximity to Caribbean and South American markets provides a logistical advantage for LNG shipping, positioning them well to supply the region. However, finalizing commercial structures and favorable fiscal terms remains key for these projects to move forward.
Dr. Khan envisions NGC’s involvement as a means to share Trinidad and Tobago’s decades of gas expertise, benefiting both the emerging industries in Guyana and Suriname and generating additional revenue for NGC.
