Feasibility study for Thailand Pipeline Project
July 7, 1997 Unocal Asia-Pacific Ventures has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Petroleum Authority of
Thailand (PTT), and Nissho Iwai Corporation of Japan to conduct a feasibility study for an onshore natural gas
pipeline to supply Thailand's north-east sector.
The co-venturers will study the feasibility of building a pipeline from the eastern seaboard to the north-east which
would carry natural gas from the Gulf of Thailand to supply energy to mining and related industries in the region.
The study would also include the feasibility of laying fibre optics cables alongside the pipeline in order to
increase the communications potential of the region.
Unocal and Nissho Iwai have completed a preliminary feasibility study for the project. Further studies with PTT will
determine the economics and commerciality of building and operating the pipeline system.
John G. Vandermeer, president of Singapore-based Unocal Asia- Pacific Ventures said: "We believe the idea to build
and operate a pipeline system to supply industry in the north-east is another beneficial way to participate in the
Kingdom's overall growth. We are confident that the supply of energy will not only expand the mining industry but
will create the conditions for new industries to start up as well. The project would create jobs and improve the
living conditions for the people in Thailand's north-east."
Expenditures by the co-venturers could reach $ 1 billion if all elements of the project are built.
Unocal Thailand produces nearly 1 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas from its fields in the Gulf of Thailand
to generate approximately 20 % of Thailand's electricity.
