Philippines’ First Gen to convert oil pipeline to handle natural gas

Project to cost First Gen Corporation US$100 million.

First Gen is planning the pipeline conversion project to provide industries and large power customers with an alternative power sources apart besides fuel oil. It will transform the non-operational 117 kilometer long Batangas to Manila white oil pipeline to handle natural gas.

First Gen president Francis Puno said the conversion project is expected to take two to three years and will supply up to 300MW of natural gas.

"What we can do is convert that into natural gas and you develop more demand then you can build a brand-new one.

"At least it accelerates your ability to deliver gas to industrial users using the existing oil pipeline," Puno said.

First Gen is the leading clean and renewable energy company in the Philippines with an installed capacity of 2,763 MW. It was incorporated in 1998 as the primary holding company for the power generation and energy-related businesses of the Lopez Group. It has been involved in the power generation business since 1993 through its parent and controlling shareholder, First Holdings.