Natural gas resource development in the country is expected to further improve after the Department of Energy (DOE) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the University of the Philippines Statistical Center Research Foundation Inc. for the third phase of the Gas Policy Development Project (GPDP).

The third phase of the policy follows earlier issuances which provided support to the optimal supply and use of natural gas, especially indigenous sources, including the priority dispatch or sourcing of indigenous natural gas.

The GPDP aims to provide technical assistance  in implementing a circular setting the codes of standad, rules and regulations governing the country’s downstream natural gas industry.

GPDP is supported by the Economic Research Institute for Asean and East Asia and the government of Japan.

The new MOA signed last week focuses on the development of codes of standard practice for liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities specific to the design, construction, operation and maintenance of facilities for LNG storage and regasification terminal, transmission and distribution system and third party-access.

The MOA involves the conduct of research to facilitate LNG market development and technology and strengthening the capacity of agency regulators.

The  GPDP wants to establish a regulatory framework, building the capacity of regulators and providing evidence-based data and technical inputs for policy-making and sectoral planning related to downstream natural gas industry.

GPDP was first launched in December 2018 with the first phase achieving the development of the investor’s guidebook for LNG and the formulation of financial and technical recommendations.

The second phase of the project resulted in the formulation of the natural gas development plan, proposed regulatory process and extensive research on the power and non-power applications of natural gas.

The outputs serve as a roadmap for establishing sustainable energy infrastructures and streamlining operations for critical agencies and local government units.

“As we enter the third phase, I am optimistic that we will achieve more sustained programs. The DOE stands ready to provide all necessary support to ensure its successful implementation.

No efforts laid in previous phases will go to waste,” said DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla, in a statement.