Port Arthur LNG given green light to start construction

Sempra Energy said its unit, Port Arthur LNG received authorization from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to site, construct and operate its natural gas liquefaction-export facility under development in Jefferson County, Texas.  

“With today’s FERC order and the commercial momentum of the Port Arthur LNG project, we are one step closer to reaching a final investment decision and delivering low-cost, reliable and clean U.S. natural gas to world markets,” said Carlos Ruiz Sacristán, chairman and CEO of Sempra North American Infrastructure.

The Port Arthur LNG project is expected to include two liquefaction trains, up to three LNG storage tanks and associated facilities that will enable the export of approximately 11 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of LNG.

The FERC order also approved the construction of the Texas and Louisiana connector pipeline projects that will provide natural gas transportation for the new liquefaction facilities.

In December 2018, Port Arthur LNG and the Polish Oil & Gas Company signed a definitive 20-year sale-and-purchase agreement for two mtpa of LNG from the Port Arthur LNG project, subject to certain conditions.

Last year, Sempra LNG selected Bechtel as the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning contractor for the project, subject to reaching a definitive agreement.

Port Arthur LNG received authorization from the Department of Energy (DOE) in August 2015 to export domestically produced natural gas to countries with which the U.S. has free trade agreements and has a pending application to export natural gas to non-free trade agreement countries.

Development of the Port Arthur LNG project is contingent upon obtaining additional customer commitments, completing the required commercial agreements, securing all necessary permits, obtaining financing, incentives and other factors, and reaching a final investment decision, the statement reads.