Measures taken to secure Malampaya from Taal eruption: DOE

MANILA -- The Department of Energy (DOE) said necessary actions are being taken by Shell Philippines to secure the Malampaya gas field.

In a media advisory Monday, DOE said Shell is undertaking “all necessary precautions and actions required to maintain safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Malampaya facilities”, which include minimizing the effects of ash fall from Taal Volcano eruption.

Malampaya is powering up 30 percent of the country’s electricity needs. It is developed and oper

ated by Shell Philippines Exploration B.V.

Moreover, the DOE reported that the volcanic eruption has affected power transmission and distribution in Region 4-A (Calabarzon).

As of Sunday evening, multiple trippings were recorded in the following lines: Dasmariñas-Ilijan 500kV Line, Tayabas-Dasmariñas 500kV Line, San Jose-Tayabas 500kV Line 2, and the 2x600MVA Dasmariñas Transformers.

The DOE said there are ongoing switching and restoration of lines, while also restoring Sta. Rita-San Lorenzo 230kV Tie-Line and declaring market intervention for interval.

For power distribution, the Batangas II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BATELEC) reported power interruptions in Tanauan, Talisay, and Laurel due to eruptions, series of earthquakes, as well as ash fall, lava mud, and rocks affecting subtransmission and distribution facilities.

The substations in Talaga and Laurel were also affected, it said.

For the oil sector, the Taal eruption closed down seven stations of Shell located within the six to 35-kilometer radius of the volcano.

Petro Gazz also closed its stations in Silang, Cavite and Lipa City, Batangas, while Seaoil made the same move in stations in Agoncillo, Lalaan, Mendez, Carmona, and Canlubang to ensure the safety of its staff.

South Pacific, Inc. said its terminal is not affected but still monitoring the situation.

Insular Oil remains on alert for its Batangas facility and is looking at its facilities in Subic, Bataan, and Manila as alternative sources should it close its Batangas operation.