The Philippine deepwater Malampaya gas field, operated by Prime Energy Resources Development, has continued to supply natural gas to power plants during the passage of a typhoon in the country. The weather phenomenon forced the closure of several power plants in the Philippines, but gas supplies were not interrupted.
In this regard, the Malampaya gas field operated at full capacity during Typhoon Aghon, as reported by its operator. The typhoon caused a noticeable decrease in power availability, however, the field infrastructure is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, ensuring a stable power supply for Philippine consumers.
Importance of the Malampaya gas field
This field is part of an energy generation deepwater power generation considered one of the most significant in the industrial history of the Philippines. Locally produced natural gas supplies four power plants on Luzon, the country’s largest island, with a combined capacity of 3,200 MW, accounting for 20% of the island’s electricity supply.
Donnabel Kuizon Cruz, CEO of Prime Energy, highlighted the commitment of the company and its Malampaya consortium partners to the Department of Energy’s (DOE) initiative to maintain grid stability, even during adverse weather conditions. He assured that operations and fuel supply remained uninterrupted during the typhoon.
Impact of the typhoon on energy supply
DOE reported that several power plants, including the 1,200 MW Ilijan power plant, suspended operations due to adverse weather conditions. The floating storage unit of this plant had to be undocked and relocated for safety, leaving the plant without its source of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
In addition, other coal-fired plants, such as Pagbilao, Masinloc, SPBL and Botocan units 1, 2 and 3, with a total capacity of 1,995 MW, were also shut down. In response, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) issued a red alert warning, prompting DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla to implement energy-saving measures in Luzon.
Cruz underlined the importance of Malampaya in the country’s energy security, highlighting that the field is always ready to provide reliable natural gas. During the alerts issued in April, Malampaya exceeded its export capacity, reaching 290 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD), compared to the previous maximum capacity of 262 MMSCFD.
Future investments in Philippine gas field
As for future plans, Prime Energy plans to invest up to US$800 million to extend the life of the Malampaya field. This includes the drilling of two development wells in the Camago and Malampaya East fields, and a third exploration well in Bagong Pagasa. The drilling campaign, by Noble Corporation’s Noble Viking, will begin in the second quarter of 2025.
In addition, the utility company First Gen is seeking longer-term contracts to secure long-term power supply. This announcement followed the receipt of the fourth shipment of LNG at the Batangas interim terminal in the last 12 months.
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Source: offshoreenergy
Photo: Shutterstock
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