Prospects For Natural Gas Utilization In Trinidad And Tobago

Abstract

Abstract Natural gas, primarily as a by-product of crude oil production has long been in use as a source of energy production has long been in use as a source of energy for refinery processing and electricity generation. During the past fifteen years, a nitrogenous fertilizer industry, based on natural gas, has also been developed. Recent discoveries of substantial reserves of gas in the off-shore areas provide a base for a more diversified industrial development of the country. The paper reviews the historical development of gas production and utilization. The reserves position with production and utilization. The reserves position with respect to future availability is discussed. The potential for utilization in the following areas is discussed: potential for utilization in the following areas is discussed:as feedstock for manufacture of petrochemicals;as an energy source for large-scale and small-scale energy-intensive industries; andin manufacture of export energy products. Some criteria for selection of the most desirable development route are suggested and a recommended priority rating is presented. priority rating is presented Introduction The discovery of substantial reserves of natural gas in be off-shore areas of Trinidad and Tobago, combined with encouraging prospects for the delineation of further reserves, has prompted investigation of the potential for usage of this gas for the country's industrial development. These studies have focussed on the use of the gas as a raw material for chemicals manufacture, as a source of energy for non-petroleum related industries and as an export energy product. product. This paper outlines the technical aspects of projects that have been identified for possible future development and suggests possible yard-sticks which may be used to aid decision-making with respect to selection of the optimum development route. P. 79