IT is not business as usual at NGC as the company seeks innovative ways to institute its Green Agenda through not only the way it operates, but through strategic partnerships. 

The company signed an agreement with Orbital Eye B.V. to conduct research, via satellite data, and monitor greenhouse gas (GHG) and methane (CH4) emissions, both locally and regionally. Orbital Eye B.V., headquartered in Delft, is a technology solutions provider that monitors critical oil and gas infrastructure using unique technologies. 

According to NGC, the MOU which spans three years, activates the following: (a) Research and development of solutions to measure and monitor GHG and CH4 emissions using satellite and other data for Trinidad & Tobago’s industrial assets, with the option to expand regionally; (b) Promotion of further cooperation between the signatories in GHG and CH4 emissions measurement research; (c) Exchange of information on GHG and CH4 emissions measurement technologies, research, and strategies. 

Erik Zoutman, Director at Orbital Eye B.V. noted that, “Methane is the primary component of natural gas and has 84 times more impact on climate change than CO2. Because it is so potent, addressing methane is a fast and very effective way to slow the rate of climate change. We are excited to work with NGC to use satellite imagery to prevent gas pipeline leakages from happening and to monitor local methane emissions.” 

NGC’s President Mark Loquan emphatically acknowledged the crucial role NGC can play in reducing CH4 emissions locally. He referenced the recently signed Climate Change Mitigation MOU with The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) which “…provides The NGC Group members with the means to expand its ‘Green Agenda’ by validating the GHG emissions inventory for natural gas.” 

Trinidad and Tobago committed, under the Paris Climate Agreement, to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 15% by the year 2030. Mr. Loquan also stated that “… partnerships such as these, are critical in helping this country to deviate from the existing climate change trajectory. As a diversified state entity, climate change, energy efficiency, and renewable energy have been at the forefront of our business model transformation for the past five-plus years and we are positioning NGC to assist in the attainment of this national target.”