Green light for US export project

The FERC permit is one of the last major regulatory approvals needed to begin construction on the US$9-10bn three-train facility, which will have an export capability of 12 million tonnes per annum.

“Today’s approval is another important step in delivering natural gas to America’s trading partners abroad,” said Debra L Reed, chairman and CEO of Sempra Energy.

FERC also authorised a subsidiary of Sempra Energy to construct a 21 mile, 42 inch natural pipeline expansion of the Cameron Interstate Pipeline, new compressor station and ancillary equipment that will provide natural gas transportation for the liquefaction facilities.

Earlier this year, Cameron LNG was awarded conditional approval from the US Department of Energy (DOE) to export LNG to non-free-trade-agreement (FTA) countries, including Japan and European nations.

“The liquefaction project is an international collaboration with our partners from Japan and France to create a world-class facility to deliver reliable LNG supplies for more than 20 years to some of the largest LNG buyers in the world,” added E Scott Chrisman, vice-president, commercial development, Sempra LNG.

Subject to final investment decision and permit finalisation, Sempra will have an indirect 50.2% ownership interest in Cameron LNG and the LNG project. The remaining portion will be owned by affiliates of GDF Suez, Mitsubishi Corporation.

Construction will begin later this year at Cameron LNG’s receipt terminal in Hackberry, Louisiana.