THE Department of Energy (DOE) and the University of the Philippines Statistical Center Research Foundation Inc. (UPSCRFI), through its Gas Policy Development Project (GPDP), have completed the Natural Gas Development Plan (NGDP) that would help guide regulators, policymakers, and investors on the development of the Philippine Downstream Natural Gas Industry (PDNGI).

In a statement on Thursday, the DoE said that the NGDP is part of the documents completed under Phase 2 of the GPDP and was turned over to the DOE by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Energy Resources. The said plan contained information on the existing legal framework, gas demand outlook, ongoing projects, membership of the Technical Committee on Downstream Natural Gas Standards on Products, Facility, and Code of Practice, way forward plans, and the GPDP technical and research products.

Other documents include the proposed regulatory process containing recommendations to government agencies and local government units (LGUs) involved in the PDNGI value chain. These include technical, administrative, and regulatory guidance for 11 agencies and two LGUs, a simplified process for securing permits and clearances, documentary requirements, and complying with technical standards.

“We underscore the importance of developing our natural gas industry. As part of our strategy and ensuring energy security, we need to strengthen our strategies and policies. And while we have an existing Department Circular governing the PDNGI, these documents will aid us in advancing the development of the downstream natural gas industry, including the role of Liquefied Natural Gas in our energy system,” said DoE Director Rino Abad.

The DoE forged an agreement with the UPSCRFI in December 2018 to start the United States-funded GPDP to help the Department prepare policy recommendations that promote clean energy. GPDP 1 was completed and turned over to the DoE on Feb. 20, 2020.

“With the challenges facing the current supply of our natural gas from the Malampaya gas field, this NGDP is also timely in providing our prospective investors’ guidance and policy framework, legal requirements, and incentives in putting up LNG facilities and other infrastructure,” Abad said.

As of December 2021, the DoE has approved the application of six LNG terminal and regasification projects and is envisioned to start operations between 2023 and 2025. These are FGen LNG Corp., Linseed Field Corp., Energy World Gas Operations Philippines, Shell Energy Philippines, Vires Energy Corp., and Luzon LNG Terminal.