Sempra starts permitting process for major LNG Expansion in Texas

According to a regulatory filing on Wednesday, Sempra Energy’s Port Arthur LNG unit has begun the federal permit process for an?expansion? of its liquefied natural gas export operations in Southeast Texas.

According to the filing, the proposed Port Arthur LNG North Project will add four liquefaction train capable of producing as much as 27 million metric tonnes per annum of LNG. This would significantly increase the company's export footprint along the U.S. Gulf Coast.

The?filing states that each train is capable of producing up 6.73 mtpa?LNG in optimal conditions. The project will also include up to two LNG berths and three LNG tanks.

The filing indicated that if approved and built, the project could start exporting LNG by the second half 2034. Port Arthur LNG owns the land on which these facilities will be constructed, according to the filing.

Sempra has already developed Port Arthur Phase 1 & Phase 2? with a combined production capacity of 26 mtpa.

The U.S. proposal is the latest attempt by U.S. developers in order to capitalize on the?growing demand for LNG, as countries look for long-term supply of the fuel for industrial and power use.

In recent years, developers have proposed dozens expansion projects along the Gulf Coast.

The proposed project north would increase Southeast Texas' total export capacity, and "reinforce" its position as one of the largest LNG export hubs in the world.

The filing did not include an estimate of the cost. Reporting by Curtis Williams, Houston; Editing and Subhranshu Sahu.

(source: Reuters)