ConocoPhillips Alaska Natural Gas Corporation has received authorization from the U.S. DOE to export LNG from a Kenai Peninsula facility, over a two-year period to FTA countries and non-FTA countries, and plans to resume exports of LNG this spring.
In September, 2013, the State of Alaska requested that ConocoPhillips apply for an LNG export authorization to provide an additional market opportunity for Cook Inlet natural gas production, citing the fact that Southcentral utilities have their natural gas needs under contract.
ConocoPhillips had previously said that it would consider pursuing a new export authorization if local Cook Inlet area gas needs were met and there was sufficient gas available for export. During 2013, local utilities executed gas supply agreements securing their supply through at least the first quarter of 2018. The Cook Inlet area gas supply forecast has increased, which is a positive development for local utilities. LNG exports will provide a market opportunity for Cook Inlet gas production in excess of local market demand.
In December, 2013, ConocoPhillips submitted applications to the DOE to resume exports of LNG from the Kenai facility for two years. The authorization to export LNG to FTA countries was issued on February 19, 2014. Collectively, these authorizations allow export of the equivalent of 40 BCF of LNG over a two-year period.