In a strategic move to support the burgeoning oil industry in Guyana, Itha-Ca Energy Partners Inc. (IEP) has applied for an operating permit from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to expand its warehouse storage facility which will see a US$4.5M investment. The existing facility, situated at 3494 Prospect, East Bank Public Road, East Bank Demerara, has played a crucial role in storing non-hazardous oilfield supplies.
IEP, a locally incorporated company, said it is making this expansion in recognition of the critical role that warehousing plays in the oil sector’s growth. In its project summary submitted to the EPA, the company said the proposed 40,000 sq.ft. warehouse will be located at Lot 3494 Prospect Village, East Bank Demerara, Guyana. It is zoned industrial, with no known plans for intake or discharged structures in the vicinity. The facility will have reliable access to electricity through the national grid and a backup 30KVA Perkins’s generator. Efforts will also be made to promote the use of clean and environmentally-friendly energy sources.
The project aims to provide warehousing for the storage and transportation of Class G Cement, Barite, Sodium Chloride, and related dry chemicals. It will involve the storage of 5,000 tons of Barite, 1,000 tons of Salt, and 5,000 tons of Cement on a monthly basis. The total project investment is estimated at $4.5 million USD, with 10 employees expected to be part of the project over its anticipated duration of 20 to 25 years.
In a growing oil and gas industry, the demand for products like Class-G Cement, Barite, and Salt is constant to ensure the efficient functioning of offshore facilities. IEP’s expansion, pending EPA approval, will play a significant role in meeting these demands, further strengthening Guyana’s position in the industry.
The EPA permit, if granted, will not only benefit IEP but also contribute significantly to the development of Guyana’s oil industry it said, adding that this expansion is expected to create job opportunities, boost industrialization, and address the current shortage of warehousing facilities.
