Cheniere Initiates Permitting Process for Significant Expansion of LNG Export Capacity at Sabine Pass

Rhea-AI Summary

Cheniere Energy Partners has announced the initiation of the pre-filing review process for the proposed Sabine Pass Stage 5 Expansion Project. This project aims for a total production capacity of approximately 20 million tonnes per annum of liquefied natural gas (LNG). It will feature up to three liquefaction trains and a boil-off-gas re-liquefaction unit.

Cheniere has engaged Bechtel Energy for a Front-End Engineering and Design study. The expansion depends on regulatory approvals and adequate financing before a final investment decision can be made.

Positive

• Initiation of the SPL Expansion Project could enhance LNG production capacity by 20 million tonnes per annum.
• Engagement of Bechtel Energy for FEED study indicates a strong commitment to project development.

Negative

• The project is subject to regulatory approvals and financing arrangements, which could delay implementation.

SPL Expansion Project is being designed for approximately 20 million tonnes per annum and is expected to leverage existing infrastructure at Sabine Pass

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P. (“Cheniere Partners”) (NYSE American: CQP), a subsidiary of Cheniere Energy, Inc. (“Cheniere”) (NYSE American: LNG), announced today that certain of its subsidiaries have initiated the pre-filing review process under the National Environmental Policy Act with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) for the proposed Sabine Pass Stage 5 Expansion Project (the “SPL Expansion Project”) adjacent to the existing Sabine Pass Liquefaction Project (the “SPL Project”). The SPL Expansion Project is being designed for total production capacity of approximately 20 million tonnes per annum (“mtpa”) of liquefied natural gas (“LNG”).

The SPL Expansion Project is being designed to include up to three large-scale liquefaction trains, each with a production capacity of approximately 6.5 mtpa of LNG, a boil-off-gas (“BOG”) re-liquefaction unit with an approximate production capacity of 0.75 mtpa of LNG, and two 220,000m³ LNG storage tanks. The SPL Expansion Project is being designed with accommodations for waste heat recovery as well as carbon capture from acid gas removal units.

The SPL Expansion Project is expected to benefit from the significant existing infrastructure at the SPL Project and contemplates various enhancements to its current capabilities, including optimized ship loading at the existing marine facilities. Feed gas related to the SPL Expansion Project is expected to be transported via a combination of new and existing pipelines currently supplying the SPL Project.

Cheniere Partners has engaged Bechtel Energy, Inc. to complete a Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) study of the SPL Expansion Project.

“As the first and largest LNG export facility in the Lower 48, Sabine Pass has pioneered an industry critical to supplying reliable, flexible, and cleaner burning natural gas to markets and customers around the world, and we look forward to significantly growing those capabilities through the SPL Expansion Project,” said Jack Fusco, Chairman, President and CEO of Cheniere Partners. “The SPL Expansion Project is being designed to leverage the infrastructure platform we’ve built at Sabine Pass to deliver economically advantaged incremental LNG capacity in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. We are committed to developing the SPL Expansion Project utilizing the same rigorous and financially disciplined approach to project development and capital investment that’s become synonymous with the Cheniere brand.”

The development of the SPL Expansion Project, and any necessary supporting infrastructure, is subject to receipt of all required regulatory approvals and permits, and sufficient commercial and financing arrangements before a final investment decision (“FID”) can be reached.

About Cheniere Partners

Cheniere Partners owns the Sabine Pass LNG terminal located in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, which has natural gas liquefaction facilities consisting of six liquefaction Trains with a total production capacity of approximately 30 million tonnes per annum of liquefied natural gas. The Sabine Pass LNG terminal also has operational regasification facilities that include five LNG storage tanks, vaporizers, and three marine berths. Cheniere Partners also owns the Creole Trail Pipeline, which interconnects the Sabine Pass LNG terminal with a number of large interstate and intrastate pipelines.

For additional information, please refer to the Cheniere Partners website at www.cheniere.com and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements that may include “forward-looking statements.” 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 Partners’ financial and operational guidance, business strategy, plans and objectives, including the development, construction and operation of liquefaction facilities, (ii) statements regarding Cheniere Partners’ anticipated quarterly distributions and ability to make quarterly distributions at the base amount or any amount, (iii) statements regarding regulatory authorization and approval expectations, (iv) statements expressing beliefs and expectations regarding the development of Cheniere Partners’ LNG terminal and liquefaction business, (v) statements regarding the business operations and prospects of third-parties, (vi) statements regarding potential financing arrangements, and (vii) statements regarding future discussions and entry into contracts. Although Cheniere Partners 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 Partners’ 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 Partners’ 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 Partners does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230222005929/en/

Cheniere Partners

Investors

Randy Bhatia 713-375-5479

Frances Smith 713-375-5753

Media Relations

Eben Burnham-Snyder 713-375-5764

Source: Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P. and Cheniere Energy, Inc.

FAQ

What is the SPL Expansion Project by Cheniere Energy?

The SPL Expansion Project aims to increase LNG production capacity at Sabine Pass by 20 million tonnes per annum.

What is the expected capacity of the Sabine Pass Stage 5 Expansion Project?

The expected capacity is approximately 20 million tonnes per annum of liquefied natural gas.

Who is overseeing the SPL Expansion Project's engineering design?

Bechtel Energy, Inc. has been engaged to complete the Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) study for the project.

What does the SPL Expansion Project entail?

The project includes up to three liquefaction trains and a boil-off-gas re-liquefaction unit, along with new storage tanks.

What is the regulatory status of the SPL Expansion Project?

The project has initiated the pre-filing review process with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under the National Environmental Policy Act.