Discussions with the Philippine’s Department of Energy are understood to be centred on investment in the project as a partner and formation of a joint venture for the operation and maintenance of the 80-km pipeline. Besides Gail, the other prospective partners for a joint venture with PNOC include First Gas Power, Japan Gas Corporation, Kogas, Petronas, Kepco, ChevronTexaco, Shell, and Mashhor.
The state-owned PNOC is unlikely to invite companies to come on board for Batman-1 till this year end, and construction of the pipeline will start in early 2006. The pipeline will deliver gas produced at Shell’s giant Malampaya field off Palawan via landfall at Tabangao, Batangas, to the Sucat power station in Metro Manila.