Case Study

Demerara Distillers Limited, Guyana

Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) is a leading Caribbean rum distiller, beverage bottling company and owner of a domestic chain of grocery stores among several other business lines. As the owner of the El Dorado rum brand, one of the oldest and most sought after premium rums in the world, DDL continually strives to enhance their competitive position in the market for upscale rums. Improving their environmental footprint through the adoption of clean energy sources is one way DDL can distinguish itself from the competition while appealing to its discerning and international base of consumers.

In the fall of 2017 DDL and ICON LNG began a pilot project at their main rum distillery located just outside Georgetown, Guyana. ICON installed a CAT 3412 diesel powered stationary generator outfitted with one of its aftermarket dual fuel conversion kits in DDL’s powerhouse. An underground gas line was run from the generator to a small regasification system also installed by ICON. Over the course of six months, ICON delivered LNG to DDL in cryogenic ISO tanks which DDL used to power the CAT generator in a dual fuel configuration with diesel.

This was the first time LNG was imported into Guyana. To prepare for safe LNG handling ICON also arranged proper safety and emergency response training to over thirty individuals ranging from first responders, port operators, truck drivers and DDL’s own engine operators.

The results of the pilot program were successful on all levels: safety was maintained throughout the duration of the program with no injuries or spill incidents, the engine achieved an average gas to diesel substitution ratio of 63% under normal operating conditions, and DDL reduced its CO2 emissions by 21% and its particulate matter emissions by 46% when compared to the engine running on diesel only.

DDL’s bottom line will also benefit from lower total fuel costs under a permanent upgrade of its power generation fleet to dual fuel. The company will realize a payback period of less than one year on the investment in the equipment to convert its generators.