Esso Highlands Ltd, a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation and operator of PNG LNG, released its first quarter 2010 environmental and social report.
The report detailed actions to develop the energy project in a responsible manner while ensuring economic success to Papua New Guinea, as well as Asia’s growing demand.
Managing Director of Esso Highlands, Peter Graham, commented, “Completion of the financing arrangements in March 2010 moved the project into a full execution phase. We are developing this challenging project in a manner that reflects our high standards in business and operational integrity, and importantly in safety, security, health, environmental and social management.”
He continued, “The benefits that flow from the project will support the PNG government’s objective to strengthen its economy and infrastructure base for the benefit of its people. This is the first in a series of reports that details our progress in this challenging project.”
Within the report, particular mention was made of world-class safety programs for the workforce and the public, pre-construction environmental and social assessments, baseline data for greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity protection. In addition, the report publicised PNG LNG’s Enterprise Centre; a facility designed to support local supplier development, together with two centres for workforce and technical training. The centres are expected to house approximately 850 graduates annually over the forthcoming four years.
The overall PNG LNG scheme is at an early stage of a four-year construction period. At the current time design, pre-mobilisation and early site works are underway. The forecasted cost of the plans is an estimated $15bn, while the facility benefits from an anticipated life span of 30 years. Initial deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2014 and long-term supplies have been secured to CPC Corporation in Taiwan, Osaka Gas Limited Company, Tokyo Electric Power Company Limited, and Unipec Asia Company Limited, a subsidiary of China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation.
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