The development of the country’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal is set to be fasttracked after securing a permit to construct, expand, rehabilitate and modify (PCERM) from the Department of Energy (DOE) last week.
First Gen Corp. said its wholly-owned subsidiary FGEN LNG Corp. received the PCERM dated Sept. 23, 2020 to construct an interim offshore LNG terminal in Batangas City.
The PCERM is required under the Philippine Downstream Natural Gas Regulation to authorize the construction of a downstream natural gas facility.
Construction of the project may begin by the end of the third quarter or by early fourth quarter of the year. FGEN is preparing the design and implementation of enhanced work, safety protocols and procedures required to minimize the impact of COVID-19.
The project involves the modification of the existing jetty and the construction of an adjunct onshore gas receiving facility.
The project was declared by the DOE as an Energy Project of National Significance to introduce imported natural gas to the Philippines as early as third quarter of 2022 ahead of the Malampaya contract’s expiry in 2024. This will ensure supply for First Gen and other power plants. – Jed Macapagal
