The US Department of Energy (DoE) has issued the final authorization to Cameron LNG to export domestically produced LNG to countries that do not have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States. The Cameron LNG Terminal, Louisiana, is authorized to export LNG up to 1.7 bcf/d (17.6 bcm/y) of natural gas for a period of 20 years. Earlier in 2014, Cameron LNG received authorization from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to site, construct and operate the 3-train liquefaction and export facilities.
Last month, Cameron liquefaction project sponsors, Sempra LNG (50.2%), GDF SUEZ, Mitsui and Mitsubishi (through a JV with Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha) (16.6% each) approved a final investment decision for the project that its cost is estimated at US$10bn, including contribution of the existing Cameron LNG facilities, construction of the new facilities and financing cost.
In addition to the Cameron LNG Terminal approval, the US DoE authorised Carib Energy to export LNG up to 0.04 Bcf/d (0.4 bcm/y) of natural gas for a period of 20 years from the proposed liquefaction facility in Martin County, Florida.
Federal law generally requires approval of natural gas exports to countries that have an FTA with the United States. For countries that do not have an FTA with the United States, the Natural Gas Act directs the Department of Energy to grant export authorizations unless the Department finds that the proposed exports “will not be consistent with the public interest.”