Report: Gas line project not competitive without major changes

Lawmakers listened to testimony from Wood Mackenzie's David Barrowman at a joint hearing of the House and Senate Resources Committees. From left: Sen. Anna MacKinnon, R-Eagle River; Sen. Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage; and Rep. David Talerico, R-Healy. Photo: Rachel Waldholz, Alaska's Energy Desk
Lawmakers listened to testimony from Wood Mackenzie’s David Barrowman at a joint hearing of the House and Senate Resources Committees on Aug. 24, 2016. From left: Sen. Anna MacKinnon, R-Eagle River; Sen. Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage; and Rep. David Talerico, R-Healy. Photo: Rachel Waldholz, Alaska’s Energy Desk

Alaska’s natural gas pipeline project, as currently envisioned, is not competitive and likely cannot succeed in the current market. That’s the conclusion of a new report from outside consulting firm Wood Mackenzie.

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But, the report said, major changes, similar to those being proposed by Gov. Bill Walker’s administration, could make the project more viable.

Under the current model, Alaska is partnering with the three major North Slope producers — ExxonMobil, BP and ConocoPhillips — to build the pipeline.

David Barrowman of consulting firm Wood Mackenzie told lawmakers that the Alaska LNG, as currently envisioned, is likely too expensive to compete with other LNG projects around the world. Photo: Rachel Waldholz, Alaska's Energy Desk
David Barrowman of consulting firm Wood Mackenzie told lawmakers that the Alaska LNG, as currently envisioned, is likely too expensive to compete with other LNG projects around the world. Photo: Rachel Waldholz, Alaska’s Energy Desk

Wood Mackenzie’s David Barrowman told lawmakers on Wednesday that his firm compared that project with other liquefied natural gas projects around the world, and found that it’s simply too expensive.

“The competitiveness of Alaska LNG does not rank well when compared to other…peer projects that could supply North Asia,” Barrowman said. “The ranking means that under current pricing assumptions it would certainly struggle — and even if oil prices rise to about $70 a barrel. Then it would be difficult to make acceptable returns.”

But, Barrowman said, there are ways to lower the project’s cost.

One option is bringing in outside investors to fund the gas line, instead of the partners funding it themselves. Another path is full state ownership, which might lower federal taxes.

Those are both options the state is considering as it seeks to take control of the project, said Keith Meyer, the new head of the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation.

Meyer and Barrowman testified at a joint hearing of the House and Senate Natural Resources Committees. The hearing will continue Thursday with testimony from the state’s three current partners, ExxonMobil, BP and ConocoPhillips.

Rachel Waldholz covers energy and the environment for Alaska's Energy Desk, a collaboration between Alaska Public Media, KTOO in Juneau and KUCB in Unalaska. Before coming to Anchorage, she spent two years reporting for Raven Radio in Sitka. Rachel studied documentary production at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, and her short film, A Confused War won several awards. Her work has appeared on Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and Marketplace, among other outlets.
rwaldholz (at) alaskapublic (dot) org | 907.550.8432 | About Rachel

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