LNG in Focus: Stakeholders Gain Fresh Insights on Global Market Trends and Outlook

14 Aug 25

The Gas Policy Development Project Phase 3 (GPDP 3), in partnership with in partnership with JERA and the Asia Natural Gas & Energy Association (ANGEA), organized “Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in Focus: A Special Stakeholder Seminar” on 14–15 August 2025 at the Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, Pasig City. The event brought together key industry players, government decision-makers, and global LNG experts to discuss up-to-date and strategic industry insights on liquefied natural gas.

A total of 27 participants joined the discussions, including partners from the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Senate of the Philippines, and private sector representatives from Aboitiz Power Corporation, BowerGroupAsia, Energy World Gas Operations Philippines Inc., First Gen, First NatGas Power Corporation, MERALCO, the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), Samat LNG, South Premiere Power Corporation, and Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd.

The two-day seminar examined the geopolitics of LNG, future supply and demand, and the challenges of shipping fuel across markets. Sessions on day one also tackled technology innovations for efficiency, contracting practices that secure long-term supply, and evolving pricing systems shaping fair competition. The program closed with insights on scheduling operations, underlining the importance of coordination in strengthening LNG’s role in the Philippines’ energy mix.

The second day focused on governance and third-party agreements, with sessions on LNG regulations in Europe, United States, and Japan.

Presentations were shared by experts from across the industry, including Neil Theobald of the Asia Natural Gas & Energy Association (ANGEA), Kenichi Kinoshita, Mariko Takizawa, Soichiro Niwa, and Yukio Takahashi of JERA, Shanmei Lim of Abaxx Exchange, and Mike Mellor of Woodside Energy.

Mr. Neil Theobald, Senior Advisor at the Asia Natural Gas & Energy Association (ANGEA), shared perspectives on the geopolitics of LNG, supply and demand outlook, and technical discussions on shipping and pricing.
Mr. Kenichi Kinoshita, Assistant Manager at JERA’s Energy Transition Promotion Unit, presented on LNG technology.
Abaxx Exchange’s Shanmei Lim, Senior Vice President, discussed LNG pricing with Mr. Neil Theobald.
JERA’s Senior Manager, Yukio Takahashi, gave opening remarks and spoke on LNG and the energy transition.
Mike Mellor, Head of Global LNG Regulatory at Woodside Energy, explained the LNG contracting process.
Mr. Soichiro Niwa, General Manager of the Energy Transition Promotion Unit at JERA, delivered the opening remarks and discussed the regulatory framework in Europe and the U.S.
Ms. Mariko Takizawa, Project Coordinator at JERA, discussed LNG scheduling operations.

Critical points discussed during the seminar emphasized LNG’s role in  strengthening the Philippines’ energy security, supporting the country’s transition to a cleaner energy mix, and creating opportunities for more investments in the sector. With demand for reliable and affordable energy growing, LNG is seen as a key part of ensuring a more sustainable energy future for the Philippines.