US approves Jordan Cove LNG export project

The proposed $10 billion Jordan Cove LNG export terminal on the US West Coast has received a final approval from federal authorities.

The US Energy Department granted the project developer, Canada’s Pembina Pipeline Corp to export up to 1.08 billion cubic feet per day from the LNG terminal in Oregon.

The project includes a 229-mile pipeline, that would traverse four counties in Southern Oregon, and the 7.8 mtpa LNG export terminal in Coos Bay.

The plant would receive natural gas sourced from both Canada and the US and ship it to any country with which the latter does not have a free trade agreement.

Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette said this export authorization for the first US West Coast LNG project will “ease access to further position the US as a top supplier of LNG around the world”.

“Today’s issuance to Jordan Cove serves to further expand opportunities for US LNG abroad, particularly in the growing markets of Asia,” he said.

The Energy Department had conditionally approved exports from the LNG project in 2014.

US FERC also approved Jordan Cove and the connecting pipeline earlier this year.

If built to its authorized capacity, the Jordan Cove LNG terminal, including the pipeline could create over 6,000 jobs during peak construction.

Pembina aims to launch the project, which previously faced opposition from the state and environmental activists, in 2025.