How much is ExxonMobil willing to invest in the pipline?
Obviously, we look at the project in totality. We believe we have a reasonable estimate as to what the costs are. What the final consortium is [in terms of] percentage equity holders in the pipeline is still an issue for discussion. Q: Japanese utilities and other potential clients have reservations about its feasibility. Why? A: It’s a new concept for Japan, and I believe there are several factors going on right now that help us. The fact that Japan’s government said it wants to increase its volume of gas usage and [diversify] its supply helps us. They’ve got some [government] committees looking at gas pipelines now. So I believe all these factors coming together is very useful to progress this project. Q: Will pipeline gas be competitive with liquefied natural gas? A: One of the advantages of the pipeline is the relatively short distance we’re taking about. As you may be aware, there’s a distance beyond which pipelines are not effective and LNG is effective. And we’re relatively clos
