Shell could earn billions of dollars from new gas projects in Venezuela following U.S. President Donald Trump’s removal of President Nicolás Maduro, easing a sanctions logjam that has stalled foreign investment in the country’s energy sector.

The British energy major is targeting gas fields in Venezuelan waters near Trinidad and Tobago, including the large Dragon gas field, but development has been delayed for years by U.S. sanctions and licensing restrictions.

Trump’s intervention could accelerate progress on the Dragon project, which is estimated to generate about $500 million (£370 million) in annual revenue for up to 30 years, turning it into a multi-billion-dollar opportunity.

The Dragon field is estimated to hold around 120 billion cubic metres of gas — roughly three times Britain’s annual consumption — with significantly larger reserves located in nearby offshore blocks.

Shell has struggled to move ahead with development amid prolonged negotiations with U.S. authorities over sanctions waivers and licences. The company is now expected to refocus on Venezuela as Washington signals support for renewed energy investment.

Trump has urged oil and gas companies to invest in Venezuela to boost production and rebuild infrastructure, though he has said U.S. firms should take the lead, meaning Shell may need to partner with an American company to proceed.