Thailand raises LNG import plans after delays in coal-fired projects

Thailand raises LNG import plans after delays in coal-fired projects

The Energy Policy and Planning Office (Ministry of Energy) of Thailand has
revised upward its LNG import long-term target, due to delays in the
construction of coal-fired power plants.

Thailand now expects its gas demand to reach 5.06 bcf/d (52 bcm/year) by
2036, up from a previous estimate of 4.34 bcf/d (45 bcm/year). Delays in the
construction of coal-fired power plants in the south of the country -
related to the opposition of residents and environmental groups - will not
ease gas demand for power generation. Since domestic gas production (37 bcm
in 2015) is expected to decline in the future, gas imports should rise
significantly, reaching 17.4 Mt of LNG in 2022 and 34 Mt/year by 2036,
compared to an initial target of 23 Mt/year.

LNG import capacities will have to be boosted. State-owned oil and gas
company PTT, which operates the sole LNG terminal in Thailand, the 5 Mt/year
Map Ta Phut terminal, is currently doubling its capacity to 10 Mt/year
(expected in 2017); a third phase of 1.5-2 Mt/year is expected in 2019. The
group is also developing a 5-7.5 Mt/year LNG import terminal in Rayong, due
to start operation in 2022-2023 and is planning a 3 Mt/year floating storage
and regasification unit (FSRU) in neighbouring Myanmar, that could supply
gas to Thailand as well. In addition, state-owned Electricity Generating
Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is considering a similar 5 Mt/year FSRU in the
Gulf of Thailand. Overall, Thailand could be able to import 17 Mt/year by
2022 and 25 Mt/year later.

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Link to Original Article:
http://www.enerdata.net/enerdatauk/press-and-publication/energy-news-001/tha
iland-raises-lng-import-plans-after-delays-coal-fired-projects_39019.html

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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com