Sempra Energy has announced it received the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to construct the 11 Mtpa Port Arthur LNG natural gas liquefaction-export project in Jefferson County, Texas, as well as the Texas and Louisiana connector pipeline projects that will deliver natural gas to the new export facility.

The Port Arthur Liquefaction project would include:

  • Two liquefaction trains, each with a capacity of 6.73 Mtpa of LNG for export
  • Three 160,000 cbm LNG storage tanks
  • A refrigerant storage area and truck unloading facilities
  • A condensate storage area and truck loading facilities
  • A new marine slip with two LNG vessel berths
  • An LNG vessel and support vessel manoeuvring area, and an LNG transfer system
  • A materials off-loading facility and Pioneer Dock.

The Texas Connector project and Louisiana Connector project would include:

  • approximately 38.9 miles of 42-inch-diameter pipeline to bring feed gas to the liquefaction facilities (the Texas Connector Project)
  • Approximately 131.3 miles of 42-inch-diameter pipeline to bring feed gas to the liquefaction facilities (the Louisiana Connector Project)
  • Three compressor stations
  • Metre stations at the pipeline interconnects, and 
  • Other associated utilities, systems, and facilities (mainline valves, pig launchers/receivers, contractor yards, access roads, etc.).

“Today’s positive review of our Port Arthur liquefaction-export project and new pipeline projects by the FERC represents a significant step forward as we remain focused on becoming North America’s premier infrastructure company,” said Carlos Ruiz Sacristán, President and CEO of Sempra North American Infrastructure Group. “We appreciate the support we’ve received from regulators and the supporters in Texas and Louisiana. We look forward to delivering a world-class project that will create jobs and support the local economy for decades to come.”

The FEIS is the final step in the environmental review process before FERC can proceed to issue an order approving the project.

Last month, Port Arthur LNG and the Polish Oil & Gas Company signed a definitive 20-year sale-and-purchase agreement for LNG from Port Arthur LNG as part of Sempra Energy’s long-term goal of exporting 45 Mtpa of North American LNG to meet the global demand. The agreement is subject to certain conditions, including Port Arthur LNG making a final investment decision.

Last year, Port Arthur LNG selected Bechtel as the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning contractor for the project, subject to reaching a definitive agreement. In June 2017, Port Arthur signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Korea Gas Corporation for potential participation in the Port Arthur LNG project.

Development of the Port Arthur LNG liquefaction facility is contingent upon obtaining additional customer commitments, completing the required commercial agreements, securing all necessary permits, obtaining financing, incentives and other factors, and reaching a final investment decision.

For more information visit www.sempra.com

1st February 2019