DOE to Develop PH as LNG Hub

The Department of Energy (DOE) today bared plans to develop the domestic natural gas industry, and eventually transform the Philippines as the liquefied natural gas (LNG) trading and trans-shipment hub in the Asia-Pacific Region.

According to Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, the DOE is "already preparing the necessary policies as we approach the depletion of indigenous natural gas supply from Malampaya by 2024.”

“By diversifying our energy mix through LNG, we are ensuring a secure and stable supply of energy. This is a priority,” Cusi pointed out.

The DOE public consultation was held Tuesday (10 October) at its headquarters in BGC, Taguig City to fine-tune the draft Philippine Natural Gas Regulation (PNGR), the policy framework that will guide the development of the natural gas industry in the country.

The DOE presented the draft PNGR in accordance with several key considerations:

1. The expected drop in indigenous natural gas supply coming from Malampaya gas field by 2024.

2. The potential of LNG to cover the increasing mid-merit to peaking demand of the Philippines which is expected to require around 18,500 megawatts (MW) by 2040 based on the Philippine Energy Plan (PEP).

3. The potential of LNG/natural gas-fired power plants in complementing renewables which are poised to increase from 5,000 MW to 15,000 MW by 2035.

4. The potential of LNG to replace diesel-fired power plants in off-grid areas.

5. The expected non-power demand for natural gas from the commercial, industrial, transportation, and even household sectors.

The Philippine Natural Gas Regulation (PNGR) public consultation was attended by interested local and foreign stakeholders Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc., Aboitiz Power, CN Energy, Energy Development Corporation, CNOOC, Embassy of Australia, Embassy of Singapore, Embassy of Japan, Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Energy World Corporated Ltd., Gas Power Solutions, GE Philippines, Inc., IE Singapore, Japan Bank for International Cooperation, JGC Philippines Inc., JSK Gas Corporation, JSK Holdings, KEPCO Philippines Corporation, Lantau Group, Marubeni Philippines Corporation, Metro Pacific Investments, Mitsui & Co. (Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.), National Power Corporation, Osaka Gas Manila, Pavilion Energy Pte. Ltd., Philippine Petroleum Association of Upstream Industry Inc. (PAP), Sumitomo Corporation of the Philippines, Sembcorp Marine Rigs & Floaters Pte. Ltd., SK E&S, SSB Cryogenic Equipment Pte Ltd., Tokyo Gas Co, Ltd., Total Gas and Power Asia, Vires, PXP Energy Corporation, Shell, Philodrill, Star Power, PHINMA, First Gen Corporation, Blackstone, CleanRock, Basic Energy Corporation, Enerbay, Philippine National Oil Company-Exploration Corporation, CGN New Energy Holdings Co. Ltd., Shell Philippines Exploration B.V., SCU, PhiLNG, Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation, City Enro (BCG), LGU-Pagbilao, Philippine National Oil Company, First Gas, Puno and Peñarroyo Law Offices, International Finance Corporation.