Venture Global LNG set to start Calcasieu Pass operations late 2021

Venture Global LNG may begin exports from its 10-million tonne/year (tpy) Calcasieu Pass liquefaction plant in Cameron Parish, La., in late 2021, according to recent filings with the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Calcasieu Pass anticipates that it will begin full export operations in mid-2022 and plans for a phased operational start-up that could include first exports in late 2021.

Site construction began in February 2019, with Venture Global taking final investment decision (FID) later that year. The 2022 start of full exports is consistent with projections made at the time (OGJ Online, Aug. 21, 2019).

Venture Global says construction of the plant is proceeding well. Calcasieu Pass raised the roof on its two LNG storage tanks and has received and set onto foundations the initial liquefaction modules. (OGJ Online, Nov. 11, 2020).

The company has six binding, long-term agreements for sale of a total of 8 million tpy, as well as agreements for available quantities in excess of its 10-million tpy nameplate capacity. Agreements were made with Shell NA LNG LLC, Edison SPA, BP Gas Marketing Ltd., Galp Energia E&P BV, Repsol LNG Holding SA, Polskie Górnictwo Naftowe i Gazownictwo SA (PGNiG), and Venture Global Commodities LLC. Calcasieu Pass anticipates that it will contract its remaining 2 million tpy before completion of construction.

The Department of Energy has authorized Calcasieu Pass to export as much as 620 bcf of natural gas per year, equivalent to the plant’s 12-million tpy peak capacity

The 23.4-mile, 42-in. OD TransCameron pipeline that will bring feedgas to the plant from Grand Cheniere station will begin service very soon, Venture Global also said. Initial service will be interruptible, firm transportation agreements with suppliers not beginning until the start of commercial service.