SINCE about 2010, Southeast Asian countries have built various downstream liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, including receiving ports and terminals, storage facilities, and regasification terminals and floating units. According to Global Data Oil and Gas Intelligence Center, LNG imports to Asean countries have surged from almost zero in 2010 to 0.5 million tons per annum (mtpa) in 2011 and reached 12 mtpa in 2020.

The upward trend should continue until at least 2040, driven by two main factors. First, Southeast Asian countries need to diversify their energy sources to generate power. Natural gas is a relatively clean fuel, emitting only half the amount of carbon dioxide compared with coal when used in power plants. It has, therefore, been considered a viable energy resource in energy transition, allowing emerging economies to reduce carbon intensity while keeping power and energy prices affordable. Second, the countries are aware that their domestic natural gas resources are depleting.