Virtual LNG line seen as solution for ‘stranded markets’

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) could become the country’s major energy source in the country especially for ‘stranded’ markets that are inaccessible or too small to be served by the current power supply, a power industry official said.

Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific Co. (AG&P) president Albert Altura said a virtual LNG pipeline could service “a network of smaller-scale economical delivery systems including vessels, re-gasification terminals and smaller power plants.”

“These customized LNG solutions accelerate construction, require less upfront investment and offer faster and broader delivery. We are already seeing considerable demand for these products and anticipate this continuing in the next few years,” Altura said.

The country has to provide power to 100 million people living across 7000 islands, the company said.

“AG&P has both the technical leadership and expertise to deliver affordable, de-centralized clean power solution across [The] Philippines,” Altura said, adding that traditional delivery models of electricity are too bulky to reach smaller-scale energy requirements.

The company is now in talks with potential off-takers, including small-scale LNG power plant developers and large scale tankers.

AG&P added that small-scale LNGs provide clean solutions without the contamination of old coal.

In May, AG&P introduced “bite-sized” LNG solutions in providing a supply chain for both local and regional developers eyeing to establish small-scale LNG projects. The company offers floating storage, re-gasification and power, and power plants tailored to the archipelago, from even five megawatts to traditional sized plants.