This article is based on our recent podcast interview with Prime Energy President and CEO Donnabel Kuizon-Cruz. Watch Power Podcast Episode 9 on YouTube!
Beneath the ocean depths lies a treasure that lights up a nation: Malampaya, the Philippines’ cornerstone of energy security. For over two decades, this natural gas field has powered progress, fueling 20% of Luzon’s electricity and driving a cleaner, more sustainable future. Now, under the stewardship of Prime Energy Resources Development president and CEO Donnabel Kuizon-Cruz, and an all-Filipino consortium at the helm, Prime Energy is not just sustaining a vital resource—it’s building a legacy of innovation, responsibility, and national pride.
Malampaya is more than a gas field; it’s a lifeline. Supplying four power plants in Luzon, it delivers reliable energy to megacities and rural communities alike, from bustling factories to quiet schoolrooms. Its impact is staggering: by displacing over 1.35 million kilograms of CO2 per hour, Malampaya offers a cleaner alternative to coal and fuel oil, aligning with global calls for sustainability. Yet, as reserves dwindle, the challenge is clear: how can the Philippines maximize this resource while securing its energy future?
Prime Energy took the lead in Malampaya in 2022 under the banner of Enrique Razon’s Prime Infra. Partnered with UC38 LLC and PNOC Exploration Corporation, this all-Filipino outfit brings local expertise and a shared vision for a stable, sustainable energy supply.
“Our commitment is to power the nation responsibly,” Cruz says, emphasizing a mission that blends energy security with environmental stewardship.
With Malampaya’s reserves declining, Prime Energy faces a high-stakes mission: to optimize existing resources while exploring new indigenous gas opportunities. Donnabel’s approach is rooted in innovation and collaboration. Drawing on her 20 years in the energy sector—from oil refineries to global strategy roles—she fosters a culture where bold ideas thrive.
“The pressure to deliver is high, but that’s where innovation is born,” she notes. Her team is leveraging advanced technologies and market insights to extend Malampaya’s lifespan and uncover new prospects, ensuring the Philippines reduces its reliance on imported fuel.
As a contractor to the Philippine government, Prime Energy is advancing ambitious plans to sustain Malampaya’s critical role, the centerpiece of which is Malampaya Phase 4, or “Project Sinagtala,” which involves drilling two deepwater wells in the Camago and Malampaya East fields and an exploratory well, Bagong Pag-asa, in 2025. “The plan is to drill in 2025 for new gas to come in 2026.”
Prime Energy tapped One Subsea for subsea production systems and Noble for the Noble Viking drillship to support these drilling efforts. If successful, new pipelines will connect these wells to existing facilities by 2026.
Cruz highlighted the power of collaboration between Prime Energy and the government to unlock new opportunities for indigenous gas, a key step toward reducing the Philippines’ reliance on imported fuels.
“Exploration is a very risky business. We’re very lucky that we have a government that’s bold enough to make [a] stand,” Cruz, who is also the chairperson of the Philippine Petroleum Association of the Upstream Industry (PAP), said.
These efforts are bolstered by the Philippine Natural Gas Industry Development Act, signed into law in January, which seeks to promote natural gas usage and encourage investments in indigenous gas development. Further underscoring Malampaya’s importance, the DOE has certified Phase 4 as an energy project of national significance, cementing its role in securing a stable energy future for the nation.
Malampaya’s story is one of expertise meeting responsibility. Prime Energy is charting a path toward a low-carbon future, where energy security and environmental care coexist. The stakes are high, but so is the resolve. “We’re investing in a future that benefits humanity and the planet,” Donnabel says, echoing a commitment to integrity and social consciousness.
As Malampaya continues to light up the Philippines, Prime Energy’s vision shines even brighter–a nation powered by its own resources, driven by its own people, and sustained by a relentless pursuit of progress.
What does a sustainable energy future look like for the Philippines? How can Filipino ingenuity drive progress in the face of dwindling resources? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below or on our social media channels.
Follow Power Philippines on Facebook and LinkedIn for more updates.
Watch the full podcast on YouTube!
There are no comments
Add yours