— early investors interest including data centres, bauxite processing, expanded power generation

EXXONMOBIL Guyana President, Alistair Routledge, has signalled that while a second gas pipeline to Berbice is under active consideration, its execution will ultimately depend on securing sufficient demand and aligning large-scale investments across the energy value chain.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Routledge outlined that the proposed pipeline, expected by government to land at the mouth of the Berbice River, forms part of a broader vision to expand Guyana’s gas infrastructure, but remains conditional on commercial viability.

“To do similar for Berbice in larger volumes, a larger pipeline could easily be US$2 billion or more,” he said, emphasising that such an undertaking requires guaranteed market demand capable of sustaining that level of investment.

He noted that interest is building, with several companies exploring opportunities in gas-based industries, including data centres, bauxite processing, fertiliser production and expanded power generation. However, these must materialise into firm commitments.

“In order to be comfortable that we move forward, we have to know that there’s a market for the gas… and that there are projects ready to take it,” Routledge said.

As part of efforts to improve feasibility, Routledge revealed that ExxonMobil has held preliminary discussions with Suriname on the possibility of sharing pipeline infrastructure.

“We have had some initial engagement with Suriname, the government and ourselves, so I say it’s a very preliminary stage. There is some interest, but, but I would say that on the Guyana side, we’re further ahead in understanding the resource and the potential project developments than they are,” he said.

From a technical standpoint, Routledge explained that future gas development will be anchored by the Haimara project in the southeast of the Stabroek Block, with additional discoveries, such as Pluma, feeding into that system.

He noted that not all reservoirs will be developed simultaneously, as ExxonMobil is sequencing projects to maximise resource recovery.

Pluma, for example, contains gas condensate but is considered drier than Longtail, prompting a more measured approach.

“In light of those features, we would prefer to develop other reservoirs before a tie-back to Pluma in order to maximise recovery of the condensate,” he said.

Routledge also pointed to the role of the Hammerhead project in strengthening Guyana’s current gas-to-energy framework.

He said the field will produce between 80 and 90 million standard cubic feet of gas per day at peak, and unlike earlier developments, that gas will not be reinjected.

Instead, it will be fed into the existing pipeline to Wales, West Bank Demerara, enhancing supply for power generation and associated facilities, including a natural gas liquids plant.

While government has already outlined ambitious plans for Berbice—positioning the region as a future industrial hub supported by a second gas pipeline—Routledge maintained that ExxonMobil’s role is to ensure the upstream and infrastructure investments are commercially sound.

The company’s current focus, he said, is on building the necessary “anchor demand” that would justify such large-scale infrastructure, while continuing to advance offshore developments and gas supply options.

“We’re working with companies that have expressed interest… to line up that commercial value chain,” he explained.

GOV’T PUSHES BERBICE AS NEXT ENERGY FRONTIER

The Government of Guyana has already signalled strong policy backing for the Berbice gas pipeline, framing it as a cornerstone of the country’s industrialisation agenda.

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh had earlier this year indicated that the pipeline will land at the mouth of the Berbice River, delivering sufficient gas to support a second gas-to-energy project once demand materialises.

“Imagine that the gas pipeline will be landing at the mouth of the Berbice River… that will deliver enough gas for us to build another Gas-to-Energy project once the power demand is there,” Singh said.

According to the Minister, the project is expected to unlock industries such as bauxite processing, agro-processing, fertiliser production and data centres, while creating significant employment opportunities in Region Six.

Supporting infrastructure is already being prioritised under Budget 2026, including a new Berbice River bridge, upgrades to the Corentyne corridor, expanded farm-to-market roads and the potential development of a Corentyne River bridge linking Guyana and Suriname.

President Dr Irfaan Ali has gone further, positioning the Berbice pipeline as a defined national target within Guyana’s long-term energy strategy.

He previously announced that the second gas pipeline will be constructed before the end of the decade, describing it as a project that will “break every single record in the world” in terms of delivery speed.

“Cheap, reliable, clean energy is the bedrock of industrialisation,” the President said, linking the initiative to broader plans to expand manufacturing, agro-processing and value-added production.

The pipeline forms part of a wider national energy buildout that includes a 300-megawatt combined-cycle plant, the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, solar farms, mini-grids and upgraded transmission systems, as Guyana prepares for a sharp increase in electricity demand by 2030.

For now, however, Routledge’s position remains measured that the opportunity is clear, the resource base is proven, but execution will depend on whether demand, investment and regional coordination align.

“Lots of promise for the future… but a lot of work still to be done,” he said.