Golden Pass files DOE application to export LNG

Houston-based Golden Pass Products LLC last week applied to the US Department of Energy to export LNG from the Golden Pass LNG receiving terminal at Sabine Pass, Tex.

The application filed with DOE is to export natural gas to nations with free trade agreements with the US; a similar application is planned for non-FTA countries.

The proposed 15.6 million tonne/year, $10 billion project envisions new—but unspecified—infrastructure on the existing site, south of Port Arthur, Tex. Currently two loading berths for LNG tankers serve five storage tanks and have access to the Golden Pass export pipeline.

The company said the expansion would be able both to import and export natural gas. A final investment decision will be made following government and regulatory approvals, it said.

Golden Pass Products' plans follow several other US Gulf Coast-based LNG terminals’ plans, led by Cheniere Energy Inc., which recently announced start of construction on two of four planned 4.5 million tpy trains at its Sabine Pass terminal in Cameron Parish, La. (OGJ, Aug. 6, 2012, p. 92).

Since 2005, Golden Pass Terminal and Golden Pass Pipeline, both affiliated with Golden Pass Products, have operated the LNG import terminal and distribution pipeline at Sabine Pass. Golden Pass Products was formed by affiliates of Qatar Petroleum International and ExxonMobil Corp.