NextDecade moves forward with Rio Grande LNG project

NextDecade said it has submitted an official request to the U.S. FERC to enter the Pre-Filing process for its Rio Grande LNG project and associated Rio Bravo Pipeline.

The company also received notification from FERC of acceptance into the Pre-Filing process and was assigned docket number PF15-20-000, it said in a statement.

“NextDecade is thrilled to initiate the FERC process for our Rio Grande LNG project,” said Kathleen Eisbrenner, founder and CEO of NextDecade. “Not only is this an important milestone, but it also signals the beginning of a crucial process that will lead to the best possible project. NextDecade is actively working with the FERC, our partners and communities throughout the Rio Grande Valley to bring this exceptional project to fruition.”

Rio Grande LNG, a wholly owned subsidiary of NextDecade, is a multi-billion dollar land-based LNG export project located on a 1,000-acre site along the Brownsville Shipping Channel in Brownsville, Texas. NextDecade’s proposal includes plans for up to 6 liquefaction trains utilizing proven, reliable, safe, and efficient technology, with a nominal output capacity of 4.5 million tons of LNG per train a year. The facility will be constructed in phases timed to meet market demand. In addition, the proposed 129-mile Rio Bravo Pipeline will supply the facility with its feed-gas, connecting the facility to the highly liquid Agua Dulce natural gas market hub.

The Pre-File request comes after NextDecade’s recent completion of its Basis of Design with engineering, procurement and construction firm, CB&I. The project is estimated to generate around 5,000 jobs during construction, approximately 200-250 permanent jobs during operations as well as many more indirect jobs. The first phase of the Rio Grande LNG project represents a direct investment of approximately US$8 billion. The Final Investment Decision (FID) will come after the FERC and related permitting agencies have given full authorization to construct, expected in 2017, the statement said.

The FERC process triggers a number of activities, including robust public input and comment periods, as well as a meticulous assessment of all aspects of the project and its potential impact, NextDecade added.

Image: NextDecade