Philippines: Tapping into the World’s LNG Market
Republic of the Philippines Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Energy Resources,
the U.S. Department of Commerce Commercial Law Development Program,
and the Gas Policy Development Project/Philippines.
In early 2020, the U.S. and Philippine partnership under the Asia EDGE (Enhancing Development and Growth through Energy) Initiative released publication of the Philippine Downstream Natural Gas Industry Investors’ Guide – a product of the Gas Policy Development Project (GPDP). Under Asia EDGE, the U.S. Department of State funded the GPDP, which supported the Philippine government in developing gas and LNG sector legal and regulatory frameworks and best practices. GPDP’s LNG Investors’ Guide is targeted to ensure a rules-based process for accessing the Philippines’ LNG market by clarifying for investors the requirements for LNG project application, major permits to be secured, and contact details of relevant government offices. The Investors’ Guide provides information for potential energy players that will contribute to the Philippines’ objective of achieving energy security, while outlining pertinent information for the private sector in setting up an LNG facility in the Philippines, fostering a transparent and systematic application and permitting process that coincide with the Ease of Doing Business.
The Guide is just one step towards the Philippines’ ongoing efforts to facilitate an environment conducive to attracting more investments in the downstream LNG industry. The Philippine government’s decision to develop its LNG sector to complement energy sources is a significant and pioneering accomplishment. In doing so, the Philippines is creating a level playing field for all competitors and helping to attract qualified investors that deliver high standards and quality infrastructure.
Recognizing the importance of the Philippines as an emerging market in LNG, the U.S.-Asia Gas Partnership organized this webinar to showcase the current status of the Philippine downstream natural gas industry and provide a formal launch of the Philippine LNG Investors’ Guide, to be presented by the DOE and GPDP respectively.
This webinar is provided by the USAID U.S.-Asia Gas Partnership (AGP) through collaboration with implementing partner the U.S. Energy Association, as well as the Republic of the Philippines Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Commerce Commercial Law Development Program, and the University of the Philippines.
Please send any questions to Sarah Blanford at [email protected].
Presentations
Opening Remarks:
- Amanda Van den Dool, USAID/Regional Development Mission for Asia
- Evan McGlaughlin, U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Energy Resources
Overview of the Philippine Downstream Natural Gas Industry:
- Assistant Secretary Leonido Pulido III, Republic of the Philippines Department of Energy
Philippine Downstream Natural Gas Industry - LNG Investors’ Guide:
- Dr. Ramon Clarete, University of the Philippines School of Economics & Former Director, Gas Policy Development Project
Open Forum:
- Moderator: Mohamed Badissy, U.S. Department of Commerce
Closing Remarks
- Paul Seong, USAID/Philippines
Overview of AGP
In 2019, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) launched the U.S.-Asia Gas Partnership (AGP). AGP convenes a diverse set of stakeholders to optimize gas network infrastructure planning, in collaboration with the U.S. Energy Association (USEA) and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), to develop domestic gas markets in Asia. AGP supports strategic planning to promote the development of resilient and least-cost power systems that will continue to meet demand over time.
The objective of the AGP is to share best practices in the development of secure, reliable, and economic sources of natural gas. Practical training and strategic advice targeted at ministries and regulators aims to drive more informed policy and decision-making. With a long-term vision to enable the creation of a regional gas market, the AGP will facilitate a shared understanding between government officials and the private sector about the technical, commercial, and economic factors that spur investment.