Vice President and presidential aspirant Leni Robredo recently cited a projection that the country’s energy supply would dry up by 2024 and mentioned the Malampaya gas field in the same breath. The statement needs context as it was unclear whether she was referring to the expiration of Malampaya’s contract or expected supply depletion.
Malampaya, a deepwater energy source located off northwest Palawan, produces an average of 429 million cubic feet of natural gas daily. It generates about 20% of the country’s electricity by supplying five power plants in Luzon.
Describing a projected energy shortage at the Feb. 27 CNN Philippines presidential debate, Robredo said at the 2:00:07 mark:
‘Yung ating supply ng kuryente kailangang asikasuhin na natin. Alam natin na by 2024 ‘yung Malampaya—talagang paubos na yung ating source of energy (We need to address our electricity supply. We know that by 2024, Malampaya—our source of energy is about to run out).
Service Contract No. 38, an agreement allowing a consortium between Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. (SPEx), Udenna Corp. and the Philippine National Oil Company Exploration Corp. to develop and operate the Malampaya gas field, will expire in 2024. Robredo mentioned the year in the debate.
Meanwhile, a 2018 report from the Department of Energy said Malampaya’s gas reserves are projected to gradually decline beginning this year and will run dry in 2027. Robredo made reference to Malampaya but not 2027 in the debate.
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