Shell Plc plans to launch natural gas production at the Dragon field in Venezuela, with the aim of exporting the resource to Trinidad and Tobago. The project will start in 2026, a year earlier than originally planned. An important stage of preparation will involve the start of research work, which is expected to begin as early as next month.
As Reuters reports, a US license is needed to develop the field. This is due to current US restrictions that cover the entire Venezuelan oil and gas industry. However, Trinidad's National Gas Company confirmed that the Dragon project's permit is valid until October 2025.
Shell is actively working to secure gas supplies for its Atlantic LNG plant in Trinidad, the agency said. Environmental studies are scheduled for April and will be conducted before the construction of the pipeline begins.
According to Reuters, a final investment decision on the project is expected later this year. Its approval will depend on the renewal of the US license.