Philippines Plans to Boost Share of Natural Gas in Energy Mix

Philippines plans to hike share of natural gas in the energy mix by boosting construction of gas related infrastructure, Philippines Star newspaper quoted an official of the Department of Energy (DOE) as saying.

Energy Undersecretary Loreta Ayson, during 11th APEC Ministerial Meeting in China, said the country is working on developing its own LNG industry.

“We are focusing our efforts in expanding green energy sources in the total energy supply of the country; one of which includes the establishment of an expanded natural gas use in different parts of the Philippines and increasing the share of natural gas in the energy mix through intensified investment promotion activities in the construction and operation of strategic natural gas infrastructure projects such as pipelines and LNG terminals,” she said.

She said the government must partner with the private sector in building infrastructure such as natural gas pipelines, Philippines Star reported.

“Considering the huge investment required, we need partners in the development and exploration of our natural resources and infusion of the required capital investments,” Ayson said.

Earlier this year, Edgar Chua, country Chairman of Shell said the government must come up with a clear energy mix that includes the contribution of LNG.

“To make LNG a reality, there is a need for the government to come up with policies to encourage investments along the LNG value chain. Firstly, a clear energy mix which spells out the contribution of LNG, coal, renewables and oil to the country’s power generation,” Chua said.