NextDecade Provides Second Quarter 2024 Business Update
NextDecade (NASDAQ: NEXT) provided a Q2 2024 business update, highlighting progress on its Rio Grande LNG Facility. Key developments include:
1. Phase 1 construction (Trains 1-3) is 24.1% complete for Trains 1-2 and common facilities, and 7.8% complete for Train 3.
2. A 20-year LNG sale and purchase agreement with ADNOC for 1.9 MTPA from Train 4.
3. A non-binding heads of agreement with Aramco for 1.2 MTPA from Train 4.
4. An EPC contract with Bechtel for Train 4 at approximately $4.3 billion.
5. Issuance of $1.115 billion in senior secured notes to refinance existing term loan facilities.
However, the company faces challenges due to a U.S. Court of Appeals decision vacating FERC's remand authorization of the Rio Grande LNG Facility.
NextDecade (NASDAQ: NEXT) ha fornito un aggiornamento sulle attività per il secondo trimestre del 2024, evidenziando i progressi presso il suo impianto LNG di Rio Grande. I principali sviluppi includono:
1. La costruzione della Fase 1 (Treni 1-3) è completata al 24.1% per i Treni 1-2 e le strutture comuni, e completata al 7.8% per il Treno 3.
2. Un contratto di vendita e acquisto di LNG della durata di 20 anni con ADNOC per 1.9 MTPA dal Treno 4.
3. Un accordo non vincolante con Aramco per 1.2 MTPA dal Treno 4.
4. Un contratto EPC con Bechtel per il Treno 4, del valore di circa 4.3 miliardi di dollari.
5. Emissione di 1.115 miliardi di dollari in note garantite senior per rifinanziare le linee di credito esistenti.
Tuttavia, l'azienda affronta delle sfide a causa di una decisione della Corte d'Appello degli Stati Uniti che annulla l'autorizzazione del FERC per il Rio Grande LNG Facility.
NextDecade (NASDAQ: NEXT) proporcionó una actualización comercial del segundo trimestre de 2024, destacando los avances en su instalación de LNG de Rio Grande. Los desarrollos clave incluyen:
1. La construcción de la Fase 1 (Trenes 1-3) está completada al 24.1% para los Trenes 1-2 y las instalaciones comunes, y completada al 7.8% para el Tren 3.
2. Un contrato de compra-venta de LNG a 20 años con ADNOC para 1.9 MTPA del Tren 4.
3. Un acuerdo de intenciones no vinculante con Aramco para 1.2 MTPA del Tren 4.
4. Un contrato EPC con Bechtel para el Tren 4 por aproximadamente 4.3 mil millones de dólares.
5. Emisión de 1.115 mil millones de dólares en notas garantizadas senior para refinanciar las facilidades de préstamo a plazo existentes.
No obstante, la empresa enfrenta desafíos debido a una decisión de la Corte de Apelaciones de EE. UU. que anula la autorización de remisión de FERC para la instalación de Rio Grande LNG.
NextDecade (NASDAQ: NEXT)는 2024년 2분기 사업 업데이트를 제공하며 리오 그란데 LNG 시설의 진전을 강조했습니다. 주요 개발 사항은 다음과 같습니다:
1. 1단계 건설(트레인 1-3)은 24.1% 완료 되었으며 트레인 1-2와 공용 시설, 7.8% 완료 되었으며 트레인 3입니다.
2. 트레인 4에서 ADNOC와 20년 LNG 판매 및 구매 계약를 체결하였습니다.
3. 트레인 4에서 아람코와 1.2 MTPA를 위한 비구속적 합의서를 체결하였습니다.
4. 트레인 4를 위한 베크텔과의 EPC 계약은 약 43억 달러입니다.
5. 기존 현금 대출 시설을 재융자하기 위해 11억 1500만 달러의 선순위 담보 채권을 발행했습니다.
하지만 회사는 리오 그란데 LNG 시설에 대한 FERC의 재지정 승인을 취소한 미국 항소법원의 결정으로 인해 도전에 직면해 있습니다.
NextDecade (NASDAQ: NEXT) a fourni une mise à jour commerciale pour le deuxième trimestre 2024, mettant en avant les progrès de son installation de LNG de Rio Grande. Les développements clés incluent :
1. La construction de la Phase 1 (Trains 1-3) est complétée à 24.1% pour les Trains 1-2 et les installations communes, et complétée à 7.8% pour le Train 3.
2. Un accord de vente et d'achat de LNG sur 20 ans avec ADNOC pour 1.9 MTPA du Train 4.
3. Un accord de principe non contraignant avec Aramco pour 1.2 MTPA du Train 4.
4. Un contrat EPC avec Bechtel pour le Train 4 d'une valeur d'environ 4.3 milliards de dollars.
5. Émission de 1.115 milliard de dollars de billets garantis senior pour refinancer les facilités de prêt à terme existantes.
Cependant, l'entreprise fait face à des défis en raison d'une décision de la Cour d'Appel des États-Unis qui annule l'autorisation de retour du FERC pour l'installation de Rio Grande LNG.
NextDecade (NASDAQ: NEXT) hat ein Geschäftsupdate für das zweite Quartal 2024 bereitgestellt und Fortschritte bei seiner Rio Grande LNG-Anlage hervorgehoben. Zu den wichtigsten Entwicklungen gehören:
1. Der Bau der Phase 1 (Züge 1-3) ist 24.1% abgeschlossen für die Züge 1-2 und allgemeine Einrichtungen, und 7.8% abgeschlossen für Zug 3.
2. Ein 20-jähriger LNG-Verkauf- und Kaufvertrag mit ADNOC über 1.9 MTPA von Zug 4.
3. Eine unverbindliche Absichtserklärung mit Aramco für 1.2 MTPA von Zug 4.
4. Ein EPC-Vertrag mit Bechtel für Zug 4 in Höhe von etwa 4.3 Milliarden Dollar.
5. Ausgabe von 1.115 Milliarden Dollar an besicherten Anleihen, um bestehende Terminkredite umzuschulden.
Die Firma steht jedoch vor Herausforderungen aufgrund einer Entscheidung des US-Berufungsgerichts, die die Rückübertragungsautorisierung der FERC für die Rio Grande LNG-Anlage aufhebt.
- Phase 1 construction progress is in line with schedule: 24.1% complete for Trains 1-2 and common facilities, 7.8% complete for Train 3
- Signed 20-year LNG sale and purchase agreement with ADNOC for 1.9 MTPA from Train 4
- Entered non-binding heads of agreement with Aramco for 1.2 MTPA from Train 4
- Executed EPC contract with Bechtel for Train 4 at approximately $4.3 billion
- Issued $1.115 billion in senior secured notes to refinance existing term loan facilities
- Appointed Tarik Skeik as Chief Operating Officer, bringing 20 years of experience in complex global mega projects
- U.S. Court of Appeals vacated FERC's remand authorization of the Rio Grande LNG Facility, potentially impacting project timeline and future expansions
- Court decision may affect the company's ability to attract capital investments for federally permitted infrastructure projects
- Potential delays in Final Investment Decision (FID) for Trains 4 and 5 due to regulatory challenges
Insights
The recent developments at NextDecade present a mixed outlook for investors. On the positive side, the company has made significant progress in securing long-term LNG sale agreements for Train 4, including a 20-year SPA with ADNOC for
However, the D.C. Circuit Court's decision to vacate FERC's authorization poses a significant risk to the project's timeline and potentially its viability. This regulatory setback could delay the Final Investment Decision (FID) for Trains 4 and 5, impacting the company's growth prospects. The
The D.C. Circuit Court's decision to vacate FERC's remand authorization for the Rio Grande LNG Facility is a significant legal setback for NextDecade. This ruling, based on the need for a supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), sets a precedent that could affect all federally permitted infrastructure projects. The company's commitment to "taking any and all available legal and regulatory actions" suggests a protracted legal battle ahead.
While construction continues on Phase 1, the legal uncertainty could potentially impact investor confidence and project timelines. The company's strategy to pursue appellate actions and other legal avenues indicates a complex regulatory landscape ahead. This situation underscores the importance of robust environmental assessments in large-scale energy projects and highlights the potential for legal challenges to significantly impact project development.
NextDecade's market position in the LNG sector remains potentially strong, despite recent challenges. The company's ability to secure long-term agreements with major players like ADNOC and potentially Aramco demonstrates strong market demand for LNG. The execution of an EPC contract with Bechtel for Train 4 at
However, the regulatory setback could impact investor sentiment and potentially slow the company's growth trajectory. The LNG market remains competitive and delays could allow rivals to gain market share. The appointment of Tarik Skeik as COO, with his extensive experience in global mega projects, could provide valuable operational expertise during this critical period. Investors should closely monitor how NextDecade navigates these regulatory challenges and maintains its market position in the evolving global LNG landscape.
CEO Commentary
“NextDecade has recently made excellent strides toward achieving its dual goals of constructing Phase 1 at the Rio Grande LNG Facility safely, on schedule, and on budget, and progressing Train 4 expansion capacity toward a positive Final Investment Decision (FID),” said Matt Schatzman, NextDecade’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We do not agree with the D.C. Circuit Court’s recent decision to vacate the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) remand authorization of the Rio Grande LNG Facility. We are committed to taking any and all available legal and regulatory actions to ensure that Phase 1 will be delivered on time and on budget and that FID of Trains 4 and 5 will not be unduly delayed. The decision reached by the D.C. Circuit Court has far-reaching implications. If the ruling stands, the precedent that would be set by the Court’s action has the potential to impact viability of all federally permitted infrastructure projects because it will be difficult for these projects to attract capital investments until they receive final unappealable permits.”
“During the second quarter, we made excellent commercial progress for Train 4. We entered into a 20-year LNG sale and purchase agreement (SPA) with ADNOC, under which they agreed to purchase 1.9 MTPA of LNG from Train 4. We also entered into a non-binding heads of agreement (HoA) with Aramco for 1.2 MTPA of LNG, which we expect to convert into a binding SPA. These developments, alongside our expectation that TotalEnergies will exercise its LNG purchase option for 1.5 MTPA, lead us to believe that we will soon reach the necessary contracted capacity to commercially support Train 4. More recently, we finalized our negotiations with Bechtel and executed the EPC contract for Train 4 and related infrastructure with a contract price of approximately
“Construction of Phase 1 at the Rio Grande LNG Facility continues to progress very positively. We are committed to working with Bechtel to ensure a safe and timely delivery of Phase 1. As we work through the impacts of the recent Court decision, we are committed to continuing construction on Phase 1 and progressing the development of Train 4 by securing financing and ultimately reaching a positive FID, once necessary regulatory resolution is in place.”
Significant Recent Developments
Construction
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Under the EPC contracts with Bechtel Energy Inc. (Bechtel), Phase 1 progress is tracked for Train 1, Train 2, and the common facilities on a combined basis and Train 3 on a separate basis. As of June 2024:
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The overall project completion percentage for Trains 1 and 2 and the common facilities of the Rio Grande LNG Facility was
24.1% , which is in line with the schedule under the EPC contract. Within this project completion percentage, engineering was66.4% complete, procurement was45.4% complete, and construction was3.5% complete. -
The overall project completion percentage for Train 3 of the Rio Grande LNG Facility was
7.8% , which is also in line with the schedule under the EPC contract. Within this project completion percentage, engineering was8.4% complete, procurement was18.4% complete, and construction was0.1% complete.
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The overall project completion percentage for Trains 1 and 2 and the common facilities of the Rio Grande LNG Facility was
Strategic and Commercial
- In May 2024, the Company entered into a 20-year LNG SPA with ADNOC, pursuant to which ADNOC will purchase 1.9 MTPA of LNG from Train 4 at the Rio Grande LNG Facility for 20 years, on a free on board (FOB) basis at a price indexed to Henry Hub, subject to a positive FID on Train 4.
- In June 2024, the Company entered into a non-binding HoA with Aramco for a 20-year LNG SPA for offtake from Train 4 at the Rio Grande LNG Facility. Under the terms of the HoA, Aramco expects to purchase 1.2 MTPA of LNG for 20 years, on an FOB basis at a price indexed to Henry Hub. Aramco and NextDecade are in the process of negotiating a binding LNG SPA, and once executed, the SPA will be subject to a positive FID on Train 4.
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In August 2024, the Company entered into an EPC contract with Bechtel for Train 4 and related infrastructure with a contract price of approximately
. Price validity under the EPC contract for Train 4 and related infrastructure extends through December 31, 2024.$4.3 billion -
In July 2024, the Company appointed Tarik Skeik as Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Skeik has over 20 years of experience delivering complex global mega projects in LNG, oil, and petrochemicals across
North America , theMiddle East , andAsia . He led the completion and start-up of six greenfield assets, and his experience includes the planning and execution through initial operation of projects including the Huizhou Chemicals Complex inChina , Gulf Coast Growth Ventures in theU.S. , Banyu Urip inIndonesia , Kearl Expansion inCanada , and QatarGas 2 inQatar .
Financial
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In June 2024, the Company’s subsidiary Rio Grande LNG, LLC (Rio Grande) issued
of senior secured notes in a private placement, and net proceeds were utilized to reduce outstanding borrowings and commitments under existing Rio Grande term loan facilities. These senior secured notes will be amortized over a period of 18 years beginning in September 2029, with a final maturity in September 2047. The senior secured notes bear interest at a fixed rate of$1.11 5 billion6.58% and rank pari passu to Rio Grande’s existing senior secured financings. Including this transaction, the Company has now refinanced a total of over of the original$1.85 billion Rio Grande term loan facilities since a positive FID was reached on Phase 1 at the Rio Grande LNG Facility in July 2023.$11.1 billion
Regulatory
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In August 2024, the
U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit (Court) issued an order vacating FERC’s remand authorization of the Rio Grande LNG Facility on the grounds that the FERC should have issued a supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) during its remand process. The Court’s decision will not be effective until the court has issued its mandate, which is not expected to occur until the appeals process has been completed. - At this time, construction continues on the first three liquefaction trains and related infrastructure (Phase 1) at the Rio Grande LNG Facility.
- The Company is disappointed in the Court’s unprecedented decision and disagrees with its conclusions. The Company is reviewing the Court’s decision and assessing all of its options, together with the key project constituencies, including its equity partners and lenders. The Company expects to take all available legal and regulatory actions, including but not limited to, appellate actions and other strategies, to ensure that construction on Phase 1 will continue and that necessary regulatory approvals will be maintained to enable the future construction of Trains 4 and 5 at the Rio Grande LNG Facility.
Rio Grande LNG Facility
NextDecade is constructing and developing the Rio Grande LNG Facility on the north shore of the Brownsville Ship Channel in south
Phase 1 (Trains 1-3)
Phase 1 at the Rio Grande LNG Facility is under construction. Phase 1 includes three liquefaction trains with a total nameplate capacity of 17.61 MTPA of LNG production, two 180,000 cubic meter full containment LNG storage tanks, and two jetty berthing structures designed to load LNG carriers up to 216,000 cubic meters in capacity. Phase 1 also includes associated site infrastructure and common facilities including feed gas pretreatment facilities, electric and water utilities, two totally enclosed ground flares for the LNG tanks and marine facilities, two ground flares for the liquefaction trains, roads, levees surrounding the entire site, and warehouses, administrative, operations control room, and maintenance buildings.
As of June 2024, progress on Trains 1 through 3 is in line with the schedule under the EPC contracts. Train 1 deep soil mixing has been completed and foundation pours are underway, including refrigeration compressor foundations. Additionally, steel erection for Train 1 is in process, and the first pipework has been placed in the Train 1 cryogenic rack. Train 2 deep soil mixing is in process, and delivery of key materials such as large bore above-ground pipe and structural steel has continued. LNG tank progress has been strong, with excavation, pile leveling, and rebar installation for Tank 1 underway and Tank 2 piling completed. The permanent water supply for the site has been fully constructed and is operational.
Bechtel has continued to make meaningful progress on procurement for Phase 1, with a focus on completing purchase orders for critical and high-value items early in the construction process. As of June 2024, Bechtel has issued approximately
NextDecade holds equity interests in the Phase 1 joint venture that entitle it to receive up to
Final Investment Decision on Train 4 and Train 5
Achieving a positive FID on Trains 4 and 5 at the Rio Grande LNG Facility will be subject to, among other things, maintaining requisite governmental approvals, finalizing and entering into EPC contracts, entering into appropriate commercial arrangements, and obtaining adequate financing to construct each train and related infrastructure.
The Company has finalized an EPC contract with Bechtel for Train 4 and related infrastructure.
The Company continues to advance commercial discussions with multiple potential counterparties and expects to finalize commercial arrangements for Train 4 in the coming months to commercially support an FID on Train 4. The Company entered into an LNG SPA with ADNOC for the sale of 1.9 MTPA of LNG from Train 4, as well as a non-binding HoA with Aramco for the sale of 1.2 MTPA of LNG from Train 4. The Company is working with Aramco to finalize a binding SPA. Additionally, the Company expects TotalEnergies to exercise its LNG purchase option for 1.5 MTPA of LNG from Train 4.
The Company expects to finance construction of Train 4 utilizing a combination of debt and equity funding. The Company expects to enter into bank facilities for the debt portion of the funding. In connection with consummating the Rio Grande Phase 1 equity joint venture, the Company's equity partners each have options to invest in Train 4 equity, which, if exercised, would provide approximately
The Company expects to progress the development of Train 5 after a positive FID on Train 4. TotalEnergies also holds an LNG purchase option for 1.5 MTPA for Train 5, and the Rio Grande Phase 1 equity partners have options to invest in Train 5 equity which are materially equivalent to their options to participate in Train 4 equity.
Investor Presentation
NextDecade has posted an updated investor presentation to its website concurrently with this release. A copy of this release and the investor presentation can be found on its website at www.next-decade.com.
About NextDecade Corporation
NextDecade Corporation is an energy company accelerating the path to a net-zero future. Leading innovation in more sustainable LNG and carbon capture solutions, NextDecade is committed to providing the world access to cleaner energy. Through our subsidiaries Rio Grande LNG and NEXT Carbon Solutions, we are developing a 27 MTPA LNG export facility in
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240814408202/en/
Investors
Megan Light
mlight@next-decade.com
832-981-6583
Media
Susan Richardson
srichardson@next-decade.com
832-413-6400
Source: NextDecade Corporation
FAQ
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