DOE and DTI Collaborate in Formulation of Standards for Natural Gas Industry

The formulation of proposed Philippines National Standards (PNS) for the natural gas industry in the country is set to begin as the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for their collaboration.

The PNS will cover the product types and facilities across the supply chain along with the code of safety practices to be established within the natural gas sector.

“The fruits of this partnership, to be realized by the DOE-Oil Industry Management Bureau and the DTI-Bureau of Product Standards, would better guide our stakeholders on the power requirements and processes,” said Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.

Cusi further explained that this coordination between the DOE and DTI is in line with the government’s efforts “to develop the country’s natural gas industry from its nascency in support of our energy goals.”

Moreover, Cusi emphasized that the ultimate goal is to “boost investors’ confidence in the regulatory framework of the country,” especially in the natural gas industry as it attracts fresh round of investments for the Philippines’ future energy needs.

A technical committee comprised of government agencies, academics, industry players, and relevant stakeholders will be created “to conduct research and consultation activities to develop acceptable natural gas industry standards,” said the DOE.

Business models are shifting to the importation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as the Malampaya field, a deepwater gas-condensate reservoir faces depletion, putting the domestic gas industry at a transformative phase.

Next year is expected to be the take-off of the regenerated gas sector when imported LNG starts to flow into the country. The DOE is anticipating that the use of gas will spill over into other markets making the crafting of standards vital to the natural gas industry.

Source: Manila Bulletin