Port Arthur LNG Files for Construction Permit

California-based energy services holding company Sempra Energy said its liquefied natural gas (LNG) subsidiaries have filed applications with the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) seeking authorization to site, construct and operate the proposed Port Arthur LNG facility along the Sabine-Neches Waterway in Southeast Texas.

The FERC application for the proposed project includes two natural gas liquefaction trains capable of producing, under optimal conditions, approximately 13.5 million metric tons per annum in the aggregate or approximately 698 billion cubic feet of natural gas per year.

The proposed project also encompasses three LNG storage tanks, natural gas liquids and refrigerant storage, feed gas pre-treatment facilities, two berths and associated marine and loading facilities.

Furthermore, a separate application was filed with FERC seeking authorization to construct natural gas pipelines to deliver natural gas to the project, according to Sempra Energy.

“We are pleased to continue advancing the Port Arthur LNG project,” Octavio Simoes, president of Sempra LNG & Midstream, said.

In February 2016, Sempra LNG & Midstream and Woodside Energy (USA) signed a project development agreement that provides a framework for the sharing of costs related to the development, technical design, permitting and marketing of the proposed liquefaction project.

Ongoing development of the project is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and remains contingent upon completing required commercial agreements, acquiring all necessary permits and approvals, securing financing commitments, potential incentives and satisfying other conditions before making a final investment decision to proceed, the company said.

Apart from Port Arthur LNG project, Sempra Energy has two LNG terminals, Energia Costa Azul and Cameron LNG, located on the west coast of North America and near the Gulf of Mexico, respectively.