By an OGJ correspondent
PORT OF SPAIN, Mar. 20 -- In the light of war with Iraq and the continued risk of terrorism, Trinidad and Tobago Energy Minister Eric Williams has been called to a meeting in Washington, DC, next week by the US government to discuss the security of energy supply from the Caribbean twin-island nation to the US.
Trinidad and Tobago's growing role as a key exporter of LNG in the Western Hemisphere and as niche player in Caribbean crude oil and refined products trade have garnered increasing attention in US energy circles.
Of particular concern to the US is Trinidad and Tobago's ability to guarantee a continued supply of LNG to the US. In addition, the US is worried that there be no interruption in the >80,000 b/d of crude that BP PLC's Trinidad and Tobago unit ships to US refiineries. Williams has confirmed the meeting and said he expects to leave next week for Washington. While in Washington, Williams is expected to visit with US Deputy Sec. of Energy Kyle McSlarrow and Asst. Sec. of Energy Vicki Bailey.
The energy minister also admitted that the matter of security of supply to the US is at the top of the agenda.
"Yes it is true that the United States wants to have a discussion about security of supply, especially as it relates to LNG imports into that country, but we can assure that Trinidad and Tobago will continue to be a secure, reliable exporter off energy to the United States market," Williams said.
At present Trinidad and Tobago is the largest exporter of LNG to the US and is particularly important to the New England states; Trinidad LNG accounts for as much as 40% of the gas used for heating in the New England states during the peak winter periods. In addition, the Eastern seaboard of the US is a critical market for refined products from Trinidad's state owned company, Petroleum Co. of Trinidad & Tobago Ltd., which ships 30% of its total refinery output to that part of the US.
Williams told OGJ that the US also is interested in discussing the Caribbean gas pipeline project, with the possibility of it extending as far north as Miami.
US officials also expressed interest in having regional heads of government meet to discuss the security of energy throughout the region, the minister said.
Meanwhile, oil and gas companies in Trinidad and Tobago, including the Atlantic LNG export plant, have significantly increased their security.
And Trinidad and Tobago security forces have stepped up sea and air patrols around key installations as the US-led war on Iraq was about to be launched.