Uncovering trends for natural gas demand in Asia: small-mid scale LNG

April 14, 2014 - PRLog -- SINGAPORE, MONDAY 14 APRIL:

In a bid to broaden its gas market, Indonesia’s PT Pertamina Gas (Pertagas) announced that it was studying the possibility (in partnership with PT Pelayaran) to use liquefied natural gas as a marine fuel. This is not the first venture the state-owned company has pushed for such cooperation to increase its gas sales; late last year, a pilot project was carried out promoting the use of LNG as a transport fuel within the booming Indonesian mining sector.

In a recent interview, Vice President Gas and Power Commercialization for PT Pertamina, Pak Taufik Afianto also said, “Pertamina will exercise any possible scheme that could be materialised [to unlock potential gas markets in Indonesia]. In order to anticipate long term gas market requirements, Pertamina also introduces and uses LNG based gases. In regard to this, Pertamina has committed to intensifying the building [and] establishing of gas infrastructure throughout Indonesia.” It is obvious that Pertamina is actively exploring full small scale value chain possilbities.

Many emerging markets are searching for alternatives to reduce the dependency and use of dirtier fuels, such as coal and diesel.  The usage of natural gas has become more viable, and many are looking to develop smaller indigenous fields to meet energy demands. This current trend has contributed to the rise in demand for LNG in Asia.

Gas-fired plants are already being considered for baseload top-ups in countries such as the Philippines and Bangladesh. Earlier this year, the Philippines’ First Gen Corp announced plans to build an LNG import terminal to secure supply to power the numerous gas-fired power plants it is planning to construct, to avert an expected power shortage on its most populous island, Luzon. Bigger projects will be required with the expected depletion of the indigenous Malampaya field by 2024.

In response to the increasing dialogue around regional small-mid scale LNG developments, industry thought-leaders and stakeholders, from both the public and private sector, will gather at the 3^rd annual Asia Pacific Small & Mid-Scale LNG (APAC LNG) Forum in May, to explore global and regional drivers for small-mid scale proliferation. The Forum will address the commercial and technical challenges which stand between the development of the regional small-mid scale LNG markets.

“Small-scale LNG value chains will be unique to individual markets pursuing them based on different characteristics and demand requirements,” said Anton Safronov, LNG Origination Director for Southeast Asia for Total Gas & Power in a recent interview.  “As such, we are busy improving our knowledge of and strengthening our expertise in the emergent small-scale LNG segment as well as developing technologies to provide innovative solutions to potential customers.”

Mr Afianto and Mr Safronov are part of a panel of 30 experts that span the commercial, financial, legal, project, engineering and technology disciplines who are confirmed to share their knowledge. Speakers include:

·         Antonio M. Cailao, President & Chief Executive Officer, Philippines National Oil Company (PNOC)

·         Thomas Chhoa, General Manager Global LNG Transport, Shell

·         Nugroho Rachmadi, Technical & Operations Director, Nusantara Regas

·         Pieter Wijkstra, Business Developer, Anthony Veder Group N.V.

·         Laura Saguin, Division Chief for Natural Gas, The Philippine Department of Energy

·         John Quirke, Senior Vice President Technology & Development, Meralco

·         Ben Arnott, Director, Oil & Gas Corporate Finance, Standard Chartered Bank

·         Patumpu Simamora, Commercial Director, Donggi Senoro LNG

The Forum is also supported by Wärtsilä, GTT (Gaztransport & Technigaz), Anthony Veder Group N.V., GE Oil & Gas, King & Spalding and Linde AG.

For further information or to read the full interview with Pertamina and Total Gas & Power, visit www.apaclng.com.