What's New

Downstream Natural Gas

The birth of the Philippine natural gas industry brings the country closer to its goal of harnessing environment friendly fuels to ensure a stable, diverse and secure energy supply. However, the growth of this industry is anchored on the development of additional gas-generated capacity, other non-power applications and the necessary infrastructure that is to bring the natural gas to its potential markets. The infrastructure includes the appropriate pipeline transmission and distribution networks, LNG terminals and facilities, gas refilling stations for CNG-run vehicles and ancillary facilities.

In the absence of the law for the natural gas sector, the stage for the industry’s development has been set with the preparation of a gas policy framework, industry rules and regulations. A clear and concise policies, objectives, programs and strategies formulated by the DOE, together with the critical cooperation and participation of the private sector, development  of a natural gas industry is ensured.

While there is still much to be done, the DOE will be at the forefront of efforts to rally the participants in this new industry to success.

 STUDIES:

San Antonio Gas Field

San Antonio Gas Field

San Antonio marginal gas field in Echague, Isabela, operated by Philippine National Oil Company Exploration Corporation (PNOC-EC), was the first natural gas discovery in the country and was developed as a demonstration project to enhance the country’s experience on natural gas production. With estimated reserves of 2.7 billion cubic feet (BCF) that should last for 10-15 years to supply gas to a 3-MW natural gas-fired power plant at a production rate of 1 mmscf per day. The power plant was utilized principally for rural electrification.

Also, within the premises of the San Antonio Gas and Power Plant (SAGPP), a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) pumping station was subsequently put up as part of the government’s earlier program on Natural Gas in Transport wherein it demonstrates the techno-economic viability of converting diesel-run vehicles to natural gas. San Antonio gas was also used in the initial testing of CNG in tricycles in 2008. However, due to depleting pressure in the reservoir, the SAGPP was finally decommissioned in July 2008.   Over the 14 years of its project life, the SAGPP provided electricity to more than 10,000 households in Isabela. Since its commissioning in 1994 up to the shutdown date, the plant has generated a total of 187.48 GWH of electricity and produced a total of 3.54 billion cubic feet (BCF) of natural gas.

Pages