Cheniere and Equinor Sign Long-Term LNG Sale and Purchase Agreement

Rhea-AI Summary

Cheniere Energy, Inc. (NYSE American: LNG) announced a 15-year LNG sale and purchase agreement with Equinor ASA, involving approximately 1.75 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG. Deliveries will start in H2 2026, reaching full capacity by H2 2027. Approximately 0.9 mtpa is conditioned on Cheniere making a positive final investment decision for additional liquefaction at Corpus Christi LNG Terminal. This partnership highlights Cheniere's commitment to meeting global energy demands sustainably.

Positive

• Long-term agreement with Equinor for 1.75 mtpa of LNG enhances revenue stability.
• Partnership underscores Cheniere's market leadership in LNG supply amid rising global demand.

Negative

• Final investment decision for 0.9 mtpa contingent on additional capacity construction, introducing uncertainty.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Cheniere Energy, Inc. (“Cheniere” or the “Company”) (NYSE American: LNG) announced today that its subsidiary, Cheniere Marketing, LLC (“Cheniere Marketing”), has entered into a liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) sale and purchase agreement (“SPA”) with Equinor ASA (“Equinor”).

Under the SPA, Equinor has agreed to purchase approximately 1.75 million tonnes per annum (“mtpa”) of LNG from Cheniere Marketing on a free-on-board basis for a term of approximately 15 years. The deliveries under the SPA will start in the second half of 2026 and reach the full 1.75 mtpa in the second half of 2027. Half of the volume, or approximately 0.9 mtpa, is subject to Cheniere making a positive final investment decision (“FID”) to construct additional liquefaction capacity at the Corpus Christi LNG Terminal beyond the seven-train Corpus Christi Stage III Project.

“Equinor is one of Europe’s premier energy companies, and we are excited to form a long-term relationship with another strategic customer that shares our ambitions for a sustainable future,” said Jack Fusco, Cheniere’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “This SPA further reinforces Cheniere’s leadership in providing the flexible, reliable and cleaner burning long-term LNG supply sought by our customers across the globe focused on energy security and environmental priorities. The SPA also reflects the urgency in demand for investment in additional LNG capacity, not only for the Corpus Christi Stage III Project, which is nearing FID, but also for capacity beyond the project’s initial seven trains.”

About Cheniere

Cheniere Energy, Inc. is the leading producer and exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the United States, reliably providing a clean, secure, and affordable solution to the growing global need for natural gas. Cheniere is a full-service LNG provider, with capabilities that include gas procurement and transportation, liquefaction, vessel chartering, and LNG delivery. Cheniere has one of the largest liquefaction platforms in the world, consisting of the Sabine Pass and Corpus Christi liquefaction facilities on the U.S. Gulf Coast, with total production capacity of approximately 45 mtpa of LNG in operation. Cheniere is also pursuing liquefaction expansion opportunities and other projects along the LNG value chain. Cheniere is headquartered in Houston, Texas, and has additional offices in London, Singapore, Beijing, Tokyo, and Washington, D.C.

For additional information, please refer to the Cheniere website at www.cheniere.com and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About Equinor

Equinor is an international energy company committed to long-term value creation in a low-carbon future. Equinor’s purpose is to turn natural resources into energy for people and progress for society. Equinor’s portfolio of projects encompass oil and gas, renewables and low-carbon solutions, with an ambition of becoming a net-zero energy company by 2050. Equinor is the second largest exporter of pipeline gas to Europe and operator of Europe’s only large-scale LNG plant at Hammerfest, Norway. Headquartered in Stavanger (Norway), Equinor is the leading operator on the Norwegian continental shelf, present in around 30 countries worldwide.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements that may include “forward-looking statements” within the meanings of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical or present facts or conditions, included herein are “forward-looking statements.” Included among “forward-looking statements” are, among other things, (i) statements regarding Cheniere’s financial and operational guidance, business strategy, plans and objectives, including the development, construction and operation of liquefaction facilities, (ii) statements regarding regulatory authorization and approval expectations, (iii) statements expressing beliefs and expectations regarding the development of Cheniere’s LNG terminal and pipeline businesses, including liquefaction facilities, (iv) statements regarding the business operations and prospects of third-parties, (v) statements regarding potential financing arrangements, (vi) statements regarding future discussions and entry into contracts, (vii) statements relating to Cheniere’s capital deployment, including intent, ability, extent, and timing of capital expenditures, debt repayment, dividends, and share repurchases, and (viii) statements regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our business and operating results. Although Cheniere believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. Cheniere’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in Cheniere’s periodic reports that are filed with and available from the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Other than as required under the securities laws, Cheniere does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220608006083/en/

Cheniere Energy, Inc.

Investors

Randy Bhatia, 713-375-5479

Frances Smith, 713-375-5753

Media Relations

Eben Burnham-Snyder, 713-375-5764

Phil West, 713-375-5586

Source: Cheniere Energy, Inc.

FAQ

What is the significance of the Cheniere and Equinor LNG agreement?

This agreement solidifies a 15-year commitment for Cheniere to supply 1.75 mtpa of LNG to Equinor, enhancing revenue predictability.

When will LNG deliveries start under the Cheniere and Equinor deal?

Deliveries are set to commence in the second half of 2026.

How much LNG is subject to Cheniere making a final investment decision?

Approximately 0.9 mtpa is contingent on a positive final investment decision for additional liquefaction capacity.

What is the impact of this agreement on Cheniere's market position?

The agreement reinforces Cheniere's leadership in providing reliable LNG supply, catering to the increasing demand for energy.

What is the expected full delivery capacity timeframe for the agreement?

The full capacity of 1.75 mtpa is expected to be reached by the second half of 2027.