The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NGC) and CEMEX Trinidad Cement Limited (CEMEX TCL) have announced their intention to work collaboratively in support of climate action targets, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cooperate on energy efficiency initiatives. The MOU follows a Gas Sales Contract (GSC) executed between NGC and TCL. TCL has been one of NGC’s longeststanding customers for over 40 years. NGC’s commitment to the local manufacturing sector bodes well for infrastructural development in Trinidad and Tobago and the region. This MOU signing with CEMEX TCL, reinforces NGC’s commitment to support its stakeholders, particularly within the downstream and manufacturing sectors, as Trinidad and Tobago transitions into a sustainable energy future.

As part of the MOU, NGC and CEMEX TCL will explore the viability of opportunities for carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), while examining the impact of energy efficiency and CCS on the use of fossil fuels in downstream industries. The agreement will also explore the possibility of using waste oil and waste solid to be transformed into heat in clinker kilns used in TCL’s operations instead of gas. Leveraging on CEMEX’s global expertise, this would provide a sustainable solution for the disposal of waste in Trinidad and Tobago, solving a longstanding environmental issue while bringing positive economic impacts.

Beyond a focus on energy efficiency, the MOU will seek to identify any opportunities for training and development, in keeping with the learning culture that has been cultivated by both companies. To further this learning and build institutional capacity, NGC and TCL have committed to exchange market knowledge, information, research, expertise, experiences, industry lessons learnt and other capabilities.

Country Manager for the CEMEX TCL group in Trinidad and Tobago Guillermo Rojo noted: “We feel confident that this MoU will bring CEMEX and NGC´s complementary expertise and capacities together to provide innovative solutions that will have a sustainable large positive impact in TTs environment and economy. CEMEX TCL aims to become a long-term solution for the waste management in Trinidad and Tobago while creating wealth. We can do much more than constructions materials for this country and the wider Caribbean”.

NGC President Mark Loquan remarked that the signing of the MOU is a demonstration of NGC’s commitment to engage stakeholders in advancing the Green Agenda. He noted that: “This collaboration strengthens our relationship with TCL, a critical pillar within the manufacturing sector. Leveraging synergies and capabilities between the two companies which serves to forge new paths for energy efficiency in the downstream, and ultimately bolster the sustainability of the energy sector and national economy.”