Can we build a pipeline project that will make all of Alaska's natural gas dreams come true for $65 Billion? Dermot Cole doesn't think much of the recent letter sent to Governor Parnell, he says the letter doesn't show much enthusiasm. To a certain degree Mr. Cole is right.
The $65 Billion price tag is a reality check. If Alaskan LNG is priced to compete in the global market the project may move forward. I estimate the base price of Alaskan North Slope gas LNG at around $12/MMBTU before operation cost and taxes are added. At current oil prices, oil indexed LNG trades in the $16/MMBTU range. The global LNG consumer community want to de-link LNG from crude oil or discount LNG from crude. According to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Japan and Korea currently pay about $13.80/MMBTU for LNG - the highest rates in the world.
The reality check shows that there is no wiggle room for pricing in excessive profits or taxes. The whole project is at the ragged edge of feasibility.
Having said that Alaskan LNG has huge benefits that few other projects offer:
- Short Stable Shipping lanes . The shipping lanes between Alaska and Asia don't have a Strait of Hormuz to deal with. Asian LNG buyers need the diversity of supply the Alaska LNG project offers.
- Political Stability. LNG from second and third world sources is always at risk of political disruption, especially in the new world of tweeting community organizers.
- Jobs for Equity Partners. You don't hear much about this but a project of this size will generate a massive amount of commerce in the Asian countries that build modules and pipe for the project. It's possible that equity partners could spend 100% of their project cost within their own borders.
- Conventional Gas. I support shale gas development, but investing in a large, developed conventional gas resource is more predictable than investing in an undeveloped shale gas resource.
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