THE EMERGING PHILIPPINE NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FOREIGN INVESTMENT

Abstract

The main Philippine energy policy objectives are availability of energy supply; competitive, affordable, and reasonable energy prices; and environmentally compatible energy infrastructure. A key strategy in the pursuit of these objectives is expanded natural gas utilisation.

Development of the Camago-Malampaya gas field in offshore northwest Palawan is the vital anchor of the emerging Philippine gas industry. It has proven reserves of 3–4 trillion cubic feet, enough to supply a 3,000 megawatt power plant, but located in very deep water (over 800 m) and far away from the market (requiring 500 km of pipeline). Nevertheless, the developers (Shell and Occidental Petroleum) are prepared to develop the field and build a 24-inch offshore pipeline to transport the gas to power plants in Luzon which independent power producers are likewise prepared to put up, all to be completed by 2001–2002. Total capital requirements from upstream to downstream are estimated at US$4–5 billion.

While the initial gas market will be limited to power generation, the government intends to expand the use of gas to the industrial, commercial/residential, and transport sectors. To assure reliable gas supply to the entire gas industry, the government is actively promoting gas exploration and supports LNG importation to supplement indigenous gas.

With the government's policy of maximising private sector participation, the gas industry offers tremendous foreign investment opportunities including

indigenous gas exploration/development;pipeline construction;LNG supply and construction/operation of LNG infrastructure;independent power production; anddevelopment of new gas markets.