USA: Cheniere, BG Ink LNG Sale and Purchase Deal

Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P. announced today that its subsidiary, Sabine Pass Liquefaction, LLC, has entered into its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) sale and purchase agreement (SPA) with BG Gulf Coast LNG, LLC (BG), a subsidiary of BG Group plc, under which BG has agreed to purchase 3.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG.

Sabine Liquefaction is planning to develop the ability to produce 9 mtpa of LNG in the first phase of its project at the Sabine Pass Terminal owned by Cheniere Partners. On May 20, 2011, Sabine Liquefaction received authorization from the U.S. Department of Energy to export up to 16 mtpa of LNG destined to all countries with which trade is permissible.

Under the agreement, BG will pay Sabine Liquefaction a fixed sales charge for the full annual contract quantity and will also pay a contract sales price for LNG purchases based on the applicable Henry Hub index traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange. LNG will be loaded onto BG’s vessels. The SPA has a term of twenty years commencing upon the date of first commercial delivery, and an extension option of up to ten years. LNG exports are expected to commence as early as 2015. The SPA is subject to certain conditions precedent, including but not limited to Sabine Liquefaction’s receiving regulatory approvals, securing necessary financing arrangements and making a final investment decision to construct the liquefaction facilities.

“BG is one of the largest participants in the global LNG markets and will be a strong foundation customer for our Sabine Pass liquefaction project,” said Charif Souki, Chairman and CEO. “Entering into this agreement is a significant milestone for our project and we look forward to finalizing additional commercial agreements and proceeding with the development of the first two trains.”

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Source: Cheniere Energy Partners, October 26, 2011