Proposed LNG Terminal Bantangas, Philippines

Philippines Energy Secretary's (Cusi) plans for an LNG Terminal in Bantangas has it's +++'s & -----'s.

Some comments from knowledgeable LNG/Energy people re their thoughts on the proposed LNG Terminal.

Elmer B Sambo 3 days ago
This is a great plan! As in all grandiose plans, it will take years of planning, execution until the whole facility becomes operational. Actual experience on this type of project and magnitude a minimum of eight to ten years of gestation period shall be required (Considering Philippines bureaucracy!). Highly recommended is to breakdown the whole exercise into two (2) main LNG projects; a) the short term LNG solution project and b) the long-term LNG project.
The short term LNG project shall utilize the existing LNG Hub at Pagbilao via a small LNG project route expansion. The Hub can be used as source of LNG for satellite LNG stations at various locations in the country particularly small islands. This will displace all diesel generators which are costly to operate and maintain and provide reliable, stable and affordable power rates. The Pagbilao LNG Hub can also provide back-up to Malampaya gas by connecting the Pagbilao regasified gas to the Malampaya receiver at Batangas. This option can be operational within four to five years considering upgrade of the Pagbilao Hub to implement the described additional hub functions.
The long-term LNG project is what is proposed by Mr. Cusi, the making of Philippines as LNG Hub. I will not bet on this proposal, giving the present record of DOE of giving a different energy policy direction every month.
Until DOE come out with a long-term energy policy say from 2018 to 2030 outlining the objectives, power mix, impact to power rates, etc. the only realistic LNG project is the short term solution presented above. This short term solution will not only reduce cost and time as an existing LNG facility shall be utilized, but will also provide opportunity for our small entrepreneurs to participate in the LNG business.

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  ed1151 Elmer B. Sambo • 3 days ago
  there is a hidden agenda on this! Cusi is well aware that using LNG to fuel the existing nat gas fire power plants (~3GW capacity ) in the Batangas power corridor will alter the current tariff rate dynamics on the grid. LNG is at least 5~6x more expensive than the natural gas price coming from Malampaya being used by these plants. Looks like Cusi and his gang (cohorts in the power generation & distribution) are making a gloomy scenario come 2023~2024 (that's time when Malampaya stops supplying the nat gas fired power plants) of either pay the higher tariff rates or have severe power shortage in the grid resulting to long periods of blackouts. 3GW of power generation from these power plants is more than 30% of the demand base load in Luzon grid! there are no base load power plants being constructed to augment the 3GW nat gas power plants currently operating at base load come 2023~2024.
  you can't be serious in connecting Pagbilao LNG storage with Malampaya gas receiving stations in Batangas. You will need a nat gas pipeline to connect them. it is very expensive to construct the pipeline and lots of ROW problems to contend with.
  the solution is to provide a virtual pipeline (and associated logistics) and do away with the huge infrastructures for LNG facilities (receiving, storage and re-gasification) and deliver LNG in small quantities at affordable cost.
  Cusi and his gang have no real experience in handling LNG operations and business!​

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