ExxonMobil subsidiary Esso PNG P’nyang Limited, Ampolex Limited, and the Independent State of Papua New Guinea have signed the P’nyang project gas agreement for the proposed development of the P’nyang LNG project.
Subject to a final investment decision by the P’nyang project co-venturers, the ExxonMobil-operated P’nyang project would deliver LNG by constructing new upstream facilities in Western Province linked to existing infrastructure. The agreement provides the fiscal framework for the project and supports project scoping and evaluation. The P’nyang field is estimated to have 4.36 trillion cubic feet of gas.
The P’nyang development in Western Province is proposed to commence following the Papua LNG project, which will be located in Gulf Province. The phased approach to gas development would support ongoing economic growth in Papua New Guinea.
The P’nyang project will be an independent project with landowner benefits to be provided under a future benefit sharing agreement to be negotiated by the State in accordance with the Oil and Gas Act.
The P’nyang project would provide about four years of additional construction activity after Papua LNG and drive economic benefits for the country and participating provinces. Upon completion, the P’nyang project would make available up to five percent of gas produced to Western Province or another agreed location to support the government’s electrification efforts.
The project would support job creation in Western Province and other involved provinces, with the Papua New Guinean workforce and local businesses benefiting from economic opportunity as well as training and skills development programs.
The P’nyang field is located within Petroleum Retention License 3, which covers 105,000 acres (425 square kilometers). Esso PNG P’nyang Limited, a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation, operates the license and, together with Ampolex (Papua New Guinea) Limited, has a 49 percent interest. Affiliates of Santos and JX Nippon have a 38.5 percent interest and 12.5 percent interest respectively. ■