US players team up on ‘landmark’ LNG export terminal in Texas

Texas-based energy player PIC Americas has selected CryoSys, a compatriot provider of gas processing and liquefied natural gas (LNG) technology, to supply pretreatment and liquefaction solutions for its planned development of an LNG export facility on the Texas Gulf Coast.

According to PIC Americas, the future plant will be designed to meet the rising market demands in the Americas, including the need for cleaner-burning fuels. Boasting a capacity of a minimum of 7.2 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) – expandable to up to 14 mtpa – the facility will be located along a deep-water channel on the Texas Gulf Coast. 

The project is set to feature access to maritime vessels, including ocean-going barges, as well as bunkering services, LNG ISO containers for flexible distribution, and fueling for LNG carriers. Truck racks will be available to support overland fuel distribution, further broadening the plant’s logistical reach and service capabilities. 

Michael Hood, Chairman and CEO of PIC Americas, noted: “PIC Americas is focused on responding to long-terms market demands and is poised to deliver a landmark project that sets new standards for LNG production and distribution. By leveraging CryoSys’ expertise and the strategic location of the Texas Gulf Coast, this Facility will not only support the growing global LNG demand but will also reinforce the region’s position as a critical energy hub.”

Neil Karr, President of CryoSys, expressed his enthusiasm about working with the compatriot player on the “cutting-edge facility” and helping bring the project online. 

As stated by the LNG tech provider, its proprietary Optimized Mixed Refrigerant (OMR) cycle technology is used to customize standard plants. Refrigerant conditions can be tailored to precisely meet the refrigeration requirements for each application while minimizing compression power.

The OMR technology is contained in a cold box module isolated with perlite, which is said to simplify installation and optimize performance. Furthermore, the cold box serves as a secondary containment, which can be used as a backup in case of a leak. 

In addition to making operations more reliable and efficient across the facility’s lifecycle, CryoSys’ process design and modular approach are expected to reduce project timelines and mitigate associated risks using a scalable solution tailored to the dynamic demands of the LNG market.

Texas is the location of another LNG development – Glenfarne Energy’s Texas LNG. The developer recently selected Kiewit to lead the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of the future terminal in the Port of Brownsville. The duo intends to work together to complete the pre-final investment decision (FID) engineering required for the project to proceed to an FID.