Caption: Minister of Energy Dr Roodal Moonilal. AZP News/Prior Beharry
By Alicia Chamely
AFTER 19 years, development drilling gets underway in the Central Block by Touchstone.
In a press release on Monday the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries stated, “The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI) wishes to announce that development drilling targeting Natural Gas reserves in the Central Block has resumed with the Carapal Ridge-3 Development Well. The last development well drilled in this block was in 2006.”
The Ministry noted, as part of its “thrust for accelerating activity” in the energy sector, the MEEI “collaborated with Touchstone to facilitate the commencement of drilling operations three weeks ahead of schedule.”
The Block, which was operated by Touchstone under an Exploration and Production License, produced approximately 21 mmscf/d.
Production from the Carapal Ridge-3 Development Well, stated the Ministry, was expected in February 2026.
The ministry stated that Touchstone, after evaluations, had planned to drill four development wells in the Central Block with the Carapal Ridge-3 Development Well being the first well in its campaign.
The ministry stated should all wells be successful, production from the Central Block was forecasted to exceed 50 mmscf/d.
The release stated, “These investments in drilling by Touchstone are welcomed as they aid in bringing much needed Natural Gas to market. The MEEI welcomes this renewed activity in our onshore natural gas fields and looks forward to further collaboration with all operators in revitalizing our energy sector to benefit the citizens of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.”
