Pacific to assess LNG as alternative energy source

The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Suva, Fiji, is to carry out a study to assess the viability of using LNG and LPG as alternative energy sources for the Pacific.

While there is a growing global trend towards using cleaner and cheaper fuel, the Pacific region has always faced difficulties with this type of change, due to its huge dependence on imported fossil fuels for transportation, power generation, shipping and cooking.

Alternative LPG and LNG

In many countries, LPG and LNG are being used as alternative energy sources due to the emergence of new gas supply centres, increasing numbers of proven reserves, rapid technological advances, competitive pricing and the environmental friendly nature of these energy sources.

In February 2014, the Management Committee of the Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility (PRIF) approved a concept note and budget for the implementation of a research project proposed by the World Bank to consider the potential for expanding LPG use and the possible introduction of natural gas in the form of LNG as alternative energy sources for the Pacific Islands.

Research study

The research study was endorsed at the Second Pacific Regional Energy and Transport Ministers’ Meeting, organised by the SPC, and held in Nadi, Fiji in April. The meeting also highlighted the importance of assessing the potential for increased penetration of LPG and the potential introduction of LNG to reduce the environmental impact of fossil fuels and significantly reduce energy costs.

The gas energy research study will be carried out by a partnership of PRIF, the Pacific Power Association, the World Bank and SPC. The objective is to assess the potential and economic feasibility of LPG and LNG in meeting the medium-term energy needs of Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs).

Data gathering

Based in the SPC’s Economic Development Division, the study team will engage with PICTs and stakeholders for the purpose of collecting data.

The research study will be undertaken over a period of six months and will involve American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Cook Islands, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/12092014/using-lng-and-lpg-in-the-pacific-1403/