NGC CNG Company Limited, a subsidiary of The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NGC) on May 15, 2014, signed memorandums of understanding with both the National Petroleum Marketing Company (NP) and the United Independent Petroleum Marketing Company (UNIPET), at NP House, Sea Lots, and NGC’s Head Office at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate, respectively.
NGC has been mandated by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to accelerate and expand the use of CNG as a transportation fuel in the country. The company plans to invest on a phased basis over TT$2 billion (over USD 310 million) over five years. The first phase, lasting two years, projected to cost TT$500 million (USD 77 million) and previously approved by Cabinet, will involve the outfitting of approximately 22 new or revamped CNG fuel stations and the conversion of over 17,000 vehicles. The second phase, lasting approximately a further three years, is projected to cost TT$1.57 billion (USD 243 million) and will continue the drive to construct more stations and conversions.
NGC CNG was incorporated to execute the mandate on behalf of its parent company, NGC. The MOUs between NGC CNG/NP and NGC CNG/UNIPET represent significant milestones in the effort and outline the terms and conditions for the respective companies with regard to the provision of CNG equipment installations, operations and dispensation.
This development now allows for agreement and prioritization on supply arrangements that will allow the finalization of target sites for the location of upgraded CNG service, retrofitting and new CNG and mobile CNG locations for Phase I of the CNG Initiative. Indeed, NGC CNG, NP and UNIPET agree on and understand the importance of their respective roles in the local CNG supply value chain, and together with timely support from the various regulatory and state bodies, successful expansion of CNG usage in the country will be realized.
According to NGC CNG President Curtis Mohammed: “Our business model encompasses the management of the natural gas-related transportation fuel supply in Trinidad and Tobago; funding the conversion to CNG of PTSC buses and maxi taxi vehicles; and funding the upgrading and/or installation of new CNG supply fuel stations whether they be CNG only or multifuel facilities. At all revamped or new CNG sites, NGC CNG will be responsible for the management of its assets so as to ensure the general public of a consistent service and a favorable refueling experience at the dispenser.”
Currently, there are about 3,000 CNG equipped vehicles on the nation’s roads and 11 fueling stations.
Source: The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited.
