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A Real Option Perspective on Valuing Gas Fields

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  • Lin Zhao

    (University of Amsterdam, Duisenberg School of Finance)

  • Sweder van Wijnbergen

    (University of Amsterdam)

Abstract

Real option theory has remained a fringe field; practitioners believe it is not practically applicable in complex real world environments. We show that this view is mistaken. We apply real option theory to a highly complex energy problem with unhedgeable risk, time varying volatilities and endogenous exercise dates (non-European options). Investment decisions in the energy industry are often undertaken sequentially and are sensitive to information on markets and geographic conditions. Information may arrive gradually over time and as a consequence of early stage decisions. Contrary to real option analysis (ROA), standard NPV-based frameworks are unsuitable because they do not allow for the fact that new information may change later stage decisions. We apply the approach to exploitation decisions for a Dutch cluster of gas fields, where gas prices and field reservoir size are the two main sources of uncertainty. Gas price returns show volatility clustering , which we model using a GARCH specification. Reservoir size uncertainty is unhedgeable, which necessitates an approach dealing with incomplete markets. Finally investment decisions can be postponed or delayed, which implies an non-European option setting, for which no analytical solutions exist. Correctly modeling the structure of volatility has a major impact: Option values shrink by 50% if the time varying nature of volatility is ignored. We also show that a high correlation between reservoir size at different locations creates large option values. The non-standard features of our approach have a major impact: option values are large so real options based valuations substantially exceed corresponding NPV calculations.

Suggested Citation

  • Lin Zhao & Sweder van Wijnbergen, 2013. "A Real Option Perspective on Valuing Gas Fields," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 13-126/VI/DSF60, Tinbergen Institute.
  • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20130126
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    File URL: https://papers.tinbergen.nl/13126.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Lin Zhao & Sweder van Wijnbergen, 2017. "Decision-making in incomplete markets with ambiguity—a case study of a gas field acquisition," Quantitative Finance, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 17(11), pages 1759-1782, November.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    real options; unhedgeable risks; volatility clustering; gas field valuation; pricing flexibility;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C61 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Optimization Techniques; Programming Models; Dynamic Analysis
    • G31 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Capital Budgeting; Fixed Investment and Inventory Studies
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • Q4 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy

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