DOE approves Cameron LNG export authorization changes

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) approved changes in control of Cameron LNG’s FTA authorization, and its conditional non-FTA authorization.

On February 18, 2014, Cameron LNG, a unit of Sempra, filed an application with the Office of Fossil Energy (FE) of the DOE to transfer indirect control of two DOE/FE export authorizations that it currently holds.

These authorizations include: (1) an authorization to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) to any country with which the United States has a free trade agreement (FTA) that requires national treatment for trade in natural gas (FTA countries), and (2) a conditional authorization to export LNG to countries with which the United States does not have an FTA that requires national treatment for trade in natural gas (non-FTA countries).

Together, these authorizations permit Cameron to export domestically produced LNG from the existing Cameron LNG terminal located in Cameron and Calcasieu Parishes, Louisiana, in a cumulative volume equivalent to 1.7 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of natural gas, or 620 Bcf per year (Bcf/yr).

Cameron said that the indirect transfer of control will occur due to a change in the ownership structure of Cameron’s parent company.

Under the transaction, the interest of Sempra LNG in Cameron will be transferred to Cameron LNG Holdings, also a wholly owned subsidiary of Sempra.