ORANJESTAD — The Dutch Gas Union’s interest in participating with the activities of Aruba and oil company Valero in the field of natural gas is still premature, says the Minister of Finances, Utilities, Communication and Energy, Mike de Meza (AVP). The second largest gas supplier of Europe will be having exploratory talks with the island to provide expertise if so desired.

On December 14^th, the Amigoe reported that during the announcement of Valero’s re-opening and the cooperation between the government and the oil company for joint gas supply, Minister-President Mike Eman (AVP) stated the Dutch Gas Union had shown interest in the activities of Aruba in the field of natural gas. However, according to De Meza ‘we haven’t reached that stage yet’. “Gas Union had expressed their willingness to hold several conversations with us. Now that they have received some information, several teleconferences will be held next week.” The fact that the Gas Union is a state-owned Dutch company also plays a role in approaching the company, according to the Minister. “This will also strengthen the ties with the Kingdom.” Within eighteen months, both Valero and water & electricity company WEB will have to operate entirely on gas, according to Minister De Meza. This must not only yield the refinery a good profit margin, but also lower WEB’s production costs with 15-20 percent.

The Dutch energy giant Jan-Meinte Postma – who is also to approach potential partners for Valero on behalf of Aruba, had arranged the contact with the gas supplier of the whole Netherlands and a part of Germany. For the time being, the aim is to provide expertise with supplying gas to Valero and utility company WEB by means of a vessel, assisting with a possible gas pipeline between Venezuela and Aruba, or finding gas on the sea-floor in Aruban waters. In which of the three projects the Gas Union will be participating, is far from clear, according to De Meza.