Philippines Eyes Alaska LNG Project to Bolster Energy Security

The Philippines is exploring the possibility of importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the long-delayed Alaska LNG project, as the Southeast Asian nation seeks to diversify its energy sources and enhance its energy security. The move aligns with the Philippine government's goal of increasing natural gas' share in its energy mix and reducing its dependence on coal.



The Alaska LNG project, proposed in various forms for decades, has struggled to secure binding long-term contracts and investments. However, the Philippine government has expressed interest in the project, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. intending to discuss the matter with his American counterpart, Donald Trump, at the "soonest possible time." The Philippine Ambassador to the US, Jose Manuel Romualdez, confirmed this interest on Friday, stating that the Philippines is looking to import LNG from the Alaska project to meet its growing energy needs.

The Philippines' interest in the Alaska LNG project is driven by several factors. Firstly, the country is experiencing a growing demand for energy, with its energy mix currently dominated by coal. The government is looking to diversify its energy sources to ensure energy security and reduce emissions. Secondly, the Philippines' key Malampaya gas field, which supplies a fifth of the country's power requirements, is nearing depletion. This has led the Philippines to explore alternative sources of natural gas to meet its energy needs. Lastly, the Philippine government has shown support for the Alaska LNG project, with President Marcos Jr. signing a law in January 2025 to establish a downstream natural gas industry and increase the fuel's share in the Philippines' energy mix.

The proposed Alaska LNG project aligns with the Philippine government's energy policy objectives, particularly its goal of increasing natural gas' share in its energy mix. The project, once operational, could provide a stable supply of natural gas to meet the Philippines' growing energy needs. Additionally, importing LNG from Alaska could enhance the Philippines' energy security by providing an alternative source of natural gas, reducing its dependence on a single gas field, and fostering closer ties with the US.

However, the Alaska LNG project faces several challenges, including securing binding long-term contracts and investments, as well as navigating the complex geopolitical landscape of the Pacific region. The US has been actively promoting the development of the Alaska LNG project as part of its energy dominance policy, and the Philippines' interest in the project could strengthen the US-Philippines alliance. At the same time, the project could help the US counterbalance the influence of other major powers in the region, such as China, by providing an alternative source of energy and reducing the region's dependence on Chinese supplies.

In conclusion, the Philippines' interest in the Alaska LNG project is driven by its growing energy needs, the depletion of its key Malampaya gas field, and its goal of increasing natural gas' share in its energy mix. The project aligns with the Philippine government's energy policy objectives and could enhance the country's energy security. However, the project faces several challenges, including securing investments and navigating the complex geopolitical landscape of the Pacific region. The US's strategic interests in the region and its commitment to the Alaska LNG project make it a critical player in the global energy landscape, with the potential to strengthen its alliance with the Philippines and counterbalance the influence of other major powers in the region.