Japan: Feasibility Study on Natural Gas Pipeline (Toyama Line) Commences

INPEX CORPORATION announced today that it commenced the feasibility study on the construction of natural gas pipeline (“Toyama Line”), which is planned to be constructed from Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture to Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture, Japan.

This feasibility study includes surveying, geological study and environmental assessment. We expect to make the final investment decision in June 2011, after gathering the data such as an appropriate pipeline route, pipeline specification, construction costs as well as gas marketing.

“Toyama Line” will supply the LNG sourced natural gas to Nihonkai Gas Co, Ltd. and other customers starting by the end of 2014. Such LNG will be imported to INPEX’s Naoetsu LNG Receiving Terminal in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture, which is now under construction.

We will continue to supply environmentally friendly natural gas through our wide-spanning pipeline network in the Tokyo metropolitan area and seven other prefectures spreading peripherally in the center of Honshu Island, Japan. “Toyama Line” is expected to add our capability for natural gas supply to Toyama Prefecture as well.

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Source: Inpex, October 12, 2010