Energy Minister: Major Gas Projects Advancing
Minister of Energy and Energy Industries Dr Roodal Moonilal says several major gas projects are progressing steadily, positioning Trinidad and Tobago for increased natural gas production and greater energy security in the years ahead.
Speaking in the Lower House on Friday, he highlighted a series of developments across the energy sector, describing the industry as resilient and poised for growth.
Among the key projects is Shell’s Manatee development.
« The Manatee project is expected to become a significant contributor to our national gas supply, with peak production of the facility expected at approximately 600 million standard cubic feet per day. When combined with Loran, peak production of approximately 900 million standard cubic feet per day is expected. »
The Minister also noted that the Government will soon engage with Venezuela on a major gas agreement.
« The Government remains actively engaged with Shell as we progress agreements needed for the Loran 1 project, which targets 1.7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas for the commercialisation within Trinidad and Tobago. The Ministry is progressing the extra-territorial measurement agreement. May I add, we are pursuing that agreement with a complete and perfect English translation required for the measurement of the gas. And we expect to engage with the Republic of Venezuela very soon. »
Dr Moonilal said October marked a particularly productive period for the energy sector.
« Mr. Speaker, following successful negotiations by the NGC, they have completed those negotiations for 100% of EOG’s share of the gas from the Coconut Field. First gas from Coconut is expected in 2027, with peak production of approximately 300 million standard cubic feet per day. That is expected. Mr. Speaker, these two projects demonstrate the significant investment and project execution taking place. »
Another major development in October was BP’s Juniper Facility achieving a record daily production rate of 700 million standard cubic feet of natural gas per day.
« This represents the highest daily production rate achieved by Juniper since it commenced operation in 2017. »
Dr Moonilal further noted that progress continues on the Dragon gas project.
« First gas is expected in 2028 at a peak rate of 415 million standard cubic feet per day. This project targets reserves of 1.2 trillion cubic feet of gas. »
Minister Moonilal further noted that, for the first half of 2026, NGC recorded profits of TT$2.2 billion, marking a 174% increase compared with the same period in 2024.
In the second quarter of 2026, the country also recorded its highest levels of crude oil exports and petroleum product exports to the United States.
