MANILA, Philippines (AP) Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has announced a significant discovery of a new natural gas deposit located near an existing gas field in the South China Sea, which could potentially protect the Philippines from an impending power crisis. This new gas reservoir is situated approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) east of the well-established Malampaya gas field, where gas production has been ongoing for over 20 years.
The newly identified gas reserve, named Malampaya East 1, is estimated to contain around 98 billion cubic feet (2.7 billion cubic meters) of natural gas. President Marcos stated that initial tests indicated the potential extraction of 60 million cubic feet (1.6 million cubic meters) of gas per day from this new well. However, he did not provide further details regarding the timeline for when commercial production might commence.
Marcos emphasized the importance of this discovery, stating, "This helps Malampaya's contribution and strengthens our domestic gas supply for many years to come." In addition to natural gas, the reservoir also contains condensate, which is considered a high-value liquid fuel. This boost to domestic energy production is crucial, particularly as experts have warned that the existing Malampaya gas field could face depletion within the next few years, raising fears of a power crisis in Luzon, the country's most populous island region.
The Malampaya gas-to-power facility has been a vital energy source, generating over 20% of the electricity used in Luzon. In response to concerns about the future of energy supply, President Marcos extended the exploration contract for Malampaya by an additional 15 years in 2023. This decision underscores the urgency of ensuring a steady energy supply as the country faces potential challenges ahead.
The new gas deposit is located within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which extends 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) from the country's coastline. This area is protected under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, granting the Philippines exclusive rights to explore and utilize resources. Despite the clear legal framework, the Philippines has faced difficulties in exploring other offshore oil and gas resources, particularly in the Reed Bank region. Efforts in this area have stalled due to China's claims of sovereignty over the waters, which encompass much of the South China Sea.
In addition to the Philippines, other countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan have also been involved in exploring and asserting their claims within the contested maritime territory. China's aggressive stance and military presence in the region, including coast guard and naval patrols, have further complicated the situation, leading to heightened tensions and territorial standoffs.
This recent gas discovery could play a crucial role in the Philippines' energy independence and security. As the new gas field offers hope for staving off a potential energy crisis, the situation remains delicate as geopolitical dynamics continue to unfold in the South China Sea.
