NGC expands energy marketing and trading portfolio

Press release from NGC

The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NGC) continues to move forward with its green initiatives through expansion of its energy portfolio and is creating value for the Company and Trinidad and Tobago, marking a major development in its growth and investment strategy.

On 21st December 2021, NGC’s wholly owned subsidiary, NGC Petrochemicals Limited (NPL), signed a term sheet with Gulf Coast Methanol 1 LLC and its parent company, IGP Methanol LLC to purchase blue methanol from IGP’s Gulf Coast Methanol Park (GCMP) project. The parties will now seek to conclude negotiations on the final agreed terms. The term sheet represents a significant milestone in NGC’s energy marketing and trading portfolio as it allows the Company to expand its international methanol trading footprint as an integrated energy player focused on improving its carbon footprint. NGC continues to forge strong linkages and establish partnership in international markets.

GCMP, located in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, is in proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, one of the world’s major international energy hubs. GCMP’s prime location provides NGC with the opportunity to deepen its internationalisation thrust as part of its overall growth strategy to seek business beyond the shores of Trinidad and Tobago.

This venture with IGP Methanol also demonstrates NGC’s commitment to align its operations and investments within the clean energy landscape. IGP Methanol is finalising the development of the first of its planned world-scale blue methanol plants in Louisiana to supply the rapidly growing and unmet global demand for ultralow-carbon methanol. The first plant is expected to come onstream in 2026. The plant will adopt the Haldor Topsøe Blue Methanol™ technology, which uses hydrogen for heating. This significantly reduces the amount of CO2 emitted from methanol processing. Additionally, the plant’s produced carbon dioxide will be captured and directed either to sequestration or for re-use by carbontech companies located adjacent to the plant, including the potential to recycle the CO2 into green methanol.

The Chairman of IGP Methanol, James S. Lamoureaux, noted that, “The signing of the term sheet between NGC and IGP Methanol is a major advancement in bringing the world’s next generation of blue methanol to market. Clear synergies between the two companies have already emerged and we are both committed to growing opportunities in ultra-low carbon and carbon negative fuels and chemicals.”

According to NGC’s President, Mark Loquan, “The term sheet satisfies a number of strategic touchpoints for NGC as we pivot our business model to work in tandem with energy transition. This is a step toward the realisation of our dedicated efforts to broaden the scope of our commercial activities in sustainable energy-related business. It represents a major advancement in building and solidifying our global competitiveness and international reach. Most significantly, we have an opportunity to be involved in a project that aligns with NGC’s Green Agenda, cementing our pledge to actively support a low-carbon future.”