Sempra Infrastructure Receives Export Licenses for Two LNG Projects

 Sempra Infrastructure, a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE) (BMV: SRE), today announced that Energía Costa Azul, S. de R.L. de C.V. (ECA LNG) and Vista Pacifico, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (Vista Pacifico LNG) received authorization from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to re-export U.S.-sourced liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Mexico to non-Free Trade Agreement (FTA) nations. The DOE's significant action is an important milestone for these two development projects, which now are each one step closer to supporting the world's energy security and environmental goals.

"Advancing new infrastructure investments is critical to supporting the energy needs of America's allies, and we are grateful for the leadership of the Biden Administration, U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, and various Congressional stakeholders—including Sens. Joe Manchin, Ted Cruz and John Cornyn. These export projects are expected to support efforts across the Indo-Pacific region to diversify energy supplies while transitioning away from coal in power production," said Justin Bird, CEO of Sempra Infrastructure. "They are also expected to help strengthen U.S. trading relationships, as well as create new jobs and boost the U.S. and Mexico economies."

Under the permits granted by DOE, Vista Pacifico LNG is authorized to re-export up to 200 billion cubic feet per year (Bcf/yr) of LNG from U.S.-sourced natural gas from the project under development in Topolobampo, Sinaloa, Mexico to any country with which the United States does not have an FTA requiring national treatment for trade in natural gas. Vista Pacifico LNG is projected to be a mid-scale facility with approximately 3.5 million tons per annum (Mtpa) of export capacity. Sempra Infrastructure is advancing the development of Vista Pacifico LNG in collaboration with Mexico's Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), as previously announced.

The DOE also increased the authorized export volumes of ECA LNG Phase 2, permitting it to re-export up to 636 Bcf/yr of LNG from U.S.-sourced natural gas from the proposed project in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico to non-FTA nations. Both permits are applicable for the period beginning on the date of first commercial re-export through December 2050.

The proposed ECA LNG Phase 2 is expected to be comprised of two trains and one LNG storage tank and produce approximately 12 Mtpa of export capacity. ECA LNG Phase 1 received non-FTA export authorization in 2019 and is currently under construction with commercial operations expected in 2025.

Development of ECA LNG Phase 2 and Vista Pacifico LNG is contingent upon completing the required commercial agreements, securing all necessary permits, obtaining financing, and reaching a final investment decision, among other factors.

Sempra Infrastructure Announces Sale and Purchase Agreement with RWE for Port Arthur LNG

Sempra Infrastructure , a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE) (BMV: SRE), today announced it has entered into a long-term sale and purchase agreement (SPA) with RWE Supply & Trading, a subsidiary of RWE (RWE: AG), for the supply of approximately 2.25 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 project under development in Jefferson County, Texas. The LNG will be delivered on a free-on-board basis for 15 years. The agreement also provides a framework to explore ways to lower the carbon intensity of LNG produced from the Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 project through GHG emission reduction, mitigation strategies and a continuous improvement approach.

"We could not be more excited to finalize our agreement with RWE as we continue supporting the energy security and environmental goals of our European customers," said Justin Bird, CEO of Sempra Infrastructure. "Because of its scale, location and permitting status, Port Arthur LNG is benefitting from a lot of commercial momentum with nearly all the projected off-take capacity for Phase 1 now under long-term agreements with some of the leading global energy companies. Today's announcement moves us one step further along in the process of making Port Arthur LNG a reality."

"Our partnership with Sempra Infrastructure, one of the leading companies for LNG infrastructure in the US, is another important step to diversify Germany's gas supply and thus contributes to enhancing security of supply in Europe on a long-term basis," said Andree Stracke, CEO of RWE Supply & Trading. "Thanks to the LNG supply contract with Sempra Infrastructure, we can also enlarge our international LNG portfolio."

Sempra Infrastructure recently announced it has entered into long-term agreements with ConocoPhillips, INEOS and ENGIE for the sale and purchase of approximately 7.3 Mtpa of LNG from the proposed Phase 1 project. The company is focused on completing the remaining steps necessary to achieve its goal of making a final investment decision for Phase 1 of the liquefaction project in the first quarter of 2023, with first cargo deliveries expected in 2027.

The Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 project is permitted and expected to include two natural gas liquefaction trains and LNG storage tanks and associated facilities capable of producing, under optimal conditions, up to approximately 13.5 Mtpa of LNG. A similarly sized Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 project is also competitively positioned and under active marketing and development.

Development of both phases of the Port Arthur LNG project is contingent upon completing the required commercial agreements, securing and/or maintaining all necessary permits, obtaining financing, and reaching a final investment decision, among other factors.

Excelerate Energy Delivers FSRU Exemplar to Finland with Commissioning Cargo

Excelerate Energy, Inc. (NYSE: EE) (“Excelerate”) announced today that its floating storage and regasification unit (“FSRU”), the Exemplar, arrived at the port of Inkoo, Finland on December 28, 2022. The FSRU was previously loaded with a partial cargo of liquefied natural gas (LNG) which will serve as the initial commissioning cargo for the terminal. The FSRU Exemplar, which is chartered to Gasgrid Finland Oy (“Gasgrid”) for a period of ten years, will provide flexible, reliable, and secure delivery of regasified LNG to Finland and other Baltic countries.

“The arrival of the FSRU Exemplar at the port of Inkoo represents an important milestone for Finland as it prepares to enhance its energy security and bring essential energy infrastructure to the region,” said Steven Kobos, President and CEO of Excelerate. “This is a tremendous accomplishment for everyone involved, and we are proud to have partnered with Gasgrid on this opportunity.”

In addition to providing regasification services under the Time Charter with Gasgrid, Excelerate, through its recently formed Finnish gas marketing subsidiary, Excelerate Finland Gas Marketing Oy (“Excelerate Finland”), has executed an agreement for the sale of commissioning volumes and regasification capacity rights during the commissioning phase. Through this agreement, Excelerate Finland will be able to provide natural gas to downstream customers in Finland and other Baltic countries.

The FSRU Exemplar departed drydock in Spain on December 6 where it underwent customer-requested winterization upgrades. The vessel subsequently procured its cargo from Excelerate’s global LNG portfolio via a ship-to-ship transfer with the FSRU Excelsior near Gibraltar. The Excelsior recently completed its 10-year service in Israel and will go on charter to the Federal Republic of Germany in 2023.

The FSRU Exemplar is 291 meters long and 43 meters wide. It has a storage capacity of 150,900 m3 of LNG and can provide more than 5 billion cubic meters per year (bcm/y) of regasification capacity.

Venture Global and Inpex Announce LNG Sales And Purchase Agreement

Today, Venture Global LNG and INPEX CORPORATION (INPEX) announced the execution of a long-term Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) for the purchase of one million tonnes per annum (1MTPA) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for 20 years. Under the agreement, INPEX Energy Trading Singapore Pte. Ltd. (IETS), a Singapore-based subsidiary of INPEX, will purchase 1MTPA of LNG from CP2 LNG, Venture Global’s third project which is expected to commence construction in 2023. INPEX joins other CP2 LNG customers including ExxonMobil, Chevron, EnBW and New Fortress Energy.

“Venture Global is delighted to welcome INPEX, Japan’s largest gas exploration and production company, as a customer at CP2 and expand our customer base in Asia,” said Venture Global CEO Mike Sabel. “We are honored to provide security of LNG supply to this key market and look forward to supporting INPEX as it delivers our competitive lower carbon energy to the region.”

“This agreement will enable the INPEX Group to procure LNG from the United States on a long-term basis, expand its LNG supply capacity, and diversify its supply sources to further contribute to the stable supply of energy,” said Hiroshi Kato, Executive Officer and Senior Vice President of Global Energy Marketing at INPEX.

Eni launches a second FLNG project to increase LNG production and export from the Republic of Congo

Eni has signed a contract with Wison Heavy Industry for the construction and installation of a Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) unit with a capacity of 2.4 MTPA (million tons per annum). The FLNG will be deployed offshore the Republic of Congo.

The 380 metres long and 60 metres wide vessel will be anchored at a water-depth of around 40 metres and will be able to store over 180,000 cubic meters of LNG and 45,000 cubic meters of LPGs. Preliminary activities have already started, with long lead items ordered and steel cut of cryogenic tanks occurred on December 20th.

This facility will be the second FLNG to be deployed in the Republic of Congo, the first one being Tango FLNG (0.6 MTPA capacity), with LNG production expected to begin in 2023. With the second FLNG, overall LNG production capacity on Marine XII will reach 3 million tons/year (over 4.5 billion cubic meters/year) in 2025.

Both initiatives are part of Marine XII gas valorisation plan, in line with Eni’s strategy to leverage gas equity.

Galp enters into an agreement with NextDecade for U.S. LNG

Galp signed a 20-year SPA with NextDecade Corporation for access to 1 million tons per annum of U.S. LNG.

Commercial deliveries of Next Decade´s Rio Grande LNG (RGLNG) project, in Texas, are expected to start in 2027.

Galp´s volumes are indexed to Henry Hub on a FOB basis plus a fixed liquefaction fee.

This agreement enhances Galp’s access to competitive U.S. LNG volumes, supplementing supplies from Venture Global, which are due to start during 2023. It also adds more flexibility and geographic diversity to its sourcing portfolio.

About NextDecade and RGLNG

NextDecade Corporation, through its wholly owned subsidiaries Rio Grande LNG and NEXT Carbon Solutions, is developing a 27 MTPA LNG export facility in South Texas along with one of the largest carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects in North America. NextDecade's common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol "NEXT." NextDecade is headquartered in Houston, Texas. For more information, please visit www.next-decade.com.

Williams Enters Heads of Agreement with Sempra Infrastructure to Integrate LNG Value Chain Capabilities

Williams (NYSE: WMB) today announced that it has entered into a non-binding heads of agreement (HOA) with Sempra Infrastructure, a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE) (BMV: SRE), that establishes the elements of an integrated platform to further connect the prolific Haynesville basin to growing LNG export demand along the Gulf Coast and around the world. The HOA contemplates long-term gas sales of approximately 0.5 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) delivered near Gillis, Louisiana, and two LNG offtake agreements for approximately 3 million tons per annum (mtpa) in the aggregate from Sempra Infrastructure’s proposed Cameron LNG Phase 2 and Port Arthur LNG projects. These proposed transactions complement Williams’ recently sanctioned low-carbon Louisiana Energy Gateway (LEG) gathering project and are expected to include connections to pipelines serving Sempra Infrastructure’s LNG export facilities.

As part of the proposed transaction, Williams and Sempra Infrastructure plan to form a strategic joint venture to own, expand and operate the Cameron Interstate Pipeline that is expected to deliver natural gas to the proposed Cameron LNG Phase 2 in Hackberry, Louisiana. Additional pipelines are also expected to be owned by the joint venture, including the Louisiana Connector Pipeline expected to deliver natural gas to Sempra Infrastructure’s proposed Port Arthur LNG facility, located in Port Arthur, Texas.

“Williams is pleased to pursue this strategic transaction with Sempra Infrastructure. We see it as an opportunity to combine our capabilities along the natural gas value chain and increase the delivery of low-carbon, affordable and reliable natural gas from the wellhead to the growing international market,” said Alan Armstrong, president and CEO of Williams. “Facilitating the delivery of next generation natural gas to ease energy constraints at home and overseas, while also helping to meet domestic and global climate goals, is central to our natural gas focused strategy, and we look forward to being well aligned with Sempra Infrastructure’s unique capabilities and competitive advantages in the LNG infrastructure space. Coupling our strengths in the midstream infrastructure space will allow us to provide unrivaled access to international markets for our producing customers.”

“We are excited to continue advancing our U.S. Gulf Coast LNG and associated pipeline projects as we work to help satisfy a growing global demand for cleaner, more reliable energy sources,” said Justin Bird, CEO of Sempra Infrastructure. “We look forward to advancing our relationship with Williams, a like-minded company that shares our commitment to building a future of energy abundance, affordability and security.”

Williams’ LEG project, which is expected to go into service in late 2024, will gather 1.8 Bcf/d of natural gas produced in the Haynesville basin. Williams, through partnerships with Context Labs, Encino Environmental and Satlantis, is integrating technology solutions into the project to enable the measurement of end-to-end, verifiable and transparent emissions data to demonstrate the low carbon benefits of produced and delivered Haynesville natural gas. Williams is also exploring the enhancement of the LEG project with the addition of carbon capture and storage infrastructure that will further decarbonize the natural gas value chain.

Qatarenergy, Conocophillips Sign Long-Term Supply Agreement Of Qatari LNG To Germany For At Least 15 Years

QatarEnergy announced the signing of two long-term LNG sale and purchase agreements (SPAs) between QatarEnergy and ConocoPhillips affiliates for the delivery of up to two (2) million tons per annum (MTPA) of LNG from Qatar to Germany.
Pursuant to the two SPAs, a ConocoPhillips wholly owned subsidiary will purchase the agreed quantities to be delivered ex-ship to the “German LNG” receiving terminal, which is currently under development in Brunsbüttel in northern Germany, with deliveries expected to start in 2026.
The LNG volumes will be sourced from the two joint ventures between QatarEnergy and ConocoPhillips that hold interests in Qatar’s North Field East (NFE) and North Field South (NFS) projects.
The SPAs were signed today by His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the President and CEO of QatarEnergy, and Mr. Ryan Lance, the Chairman and CEO of ConocoPhillips, at a special event held at QatarEnergy’s headquarters in Doha in the presence of senior executives from both companies.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi said: “We are pleased to sign these agreements with our partner ConocoPhillips to supply up to 2 million tons per annum of LNG to Germany from the two QatarEnergy-ConocoPhillips joint ventures in the NFE and NFS LNG expansion projects respectively, starting in 2026. These agreements are momentous for several reasons. They mark the first ever long-term LNG supply to Germany with a supply period that extends for at least 15 years, thus contributing to Germany’s long-term energy security. They also represent the culmination of efforts between two trusted partners, QatarEnergy and ConocoPhillips, over many years, to provide reliable and credible LNG supply solutions to customers across the globe, and today, to German end-consumers. This is a concrete demonstration of QatarEnergy’s resolve to provide reliable energy supplies to all major markets around the world, and of our commitment to the German people.”
His Excellency Minister Al-Kaabi added: “Germany is the largest gas market in Europe, with significant demand in the industrial, power, and household sectors, and we are committed to contribute to the energy security of Germany and Europe at large. The agreements we are about to sign today are a further manifestation of this commitment, which is reinforced through the sizeable investments we have made and continue to make along the entire gas value chain encompassing production capacity increases in Qatar and the Golden Pass LNG export project in the United States. Such investments also include the execution of the largest LNG ship building program in the history of the energy sector, as well as securing long-term commitments in LNG receiving infrastructure in several European countries. Our dialogue with our European partners continues with the aim of achieving greater energy security, long-term market stability, and a smoother energy transition for the benefit of all.”
Minister Al-Kaabi expressed his thanks and appreciation to the teams from both sides whose hard work and dedication made these agreements possible and concluded his remarks by paying tribute to the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and His wise leadership and unwavering support to Qatar’s energy sector.
On his part, Mr. Ryan Lance, the Chairman and CEO of ConocoPhillips said: “QatarEnergy and ConocoPhillips are excited for the opportunity to responsibly and securely supply world markets with LNG from the Qatari expansion projects.”
“These agreements will provide an attractive LNG offtake solution for our new joint ventures with QatarEnergy and position the joint ventures as reliable sources of LNG supply into Europe,” Mr. Lance added.
ConocoPhillips’ partnership in the North Field LNG Expansion Projects is made up of a 3.125% share in the NFE project and a 6.25% share in the NFS project, which are planned to commence production in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

Qatarenergy trading to offtake and market 70% of LNG produced by golden pass

Affiliates of QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil have agreed to independently offtake and market their respective proportionate equity shares of LNG produced by the Golden Pass LNG Export Project located in Sabine Pass, Texas in the United States of America (“Golden Pass LNG”). Pursuant to the agreement, QatarEnergy Trading LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of QatarEnergy, will offtake, transport, and trade 70% of the LNG produced by Golden Pass LNG.

The construction of Golden Pass LNG, which has a total production capacity in excess of 18 million tons of LNG per annum, is well underway with first LNG production expected by the end of 2024.
Commenting on this development, His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the President and CEO of QatarEnergy, said: “The energy market is highly dynamic and undergoing a period of transformation, and LNG will continue to play a key role in meeting global energy demand and ensuring security of supply. This agreement is an important addition to our efforts to meet demand for cleaner energy and to support the economic and environmental requirements for a practical, equitable and realistic energy transition.”

 
H.E. Minister Al-Kaabi added: “QatarEnergy is the global leader in LNG, the cleanest of all fossil fuels, and it is only natural for us to increase focus on LNG trading and portfolio optimization to deliver innovative LNG solutions that meet the needs of our customers across the globe. I am proud of what QatarEnergy Trading has achieved in the very short time since its inception and with this new addition to its portfolio, I am confident that QatarEnergy Trading will accelerate its efforts to deliver on our aspiration of becoming a world leader in LNG trading in the near future.”

As a result of this arrangement, Ocean LNG Limited, a joint venture established in 2016 between affiliates of QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil for the purpose of offtaking and marketing the entire production of Golden Pass LNG, has ceased operations, and will be wound down.

Qatarenergy And Sinopec Sign A 27-Year 4 Million Tons Per Annum LNG Supply Agreement To China

QatarEnergy entered into a 27-year Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) for the supply of 4 million tons per annum (MTPA) of LNG to the People's Republic of China.
Under the terms of the SPA, the contracted LNG volumes will be supplied from QatarEnergy’s North Filed East (NFE) LNG expansion project and will be delivered to Sinopec’s receiving terminals in China.
His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the President and CEO of QatarEnergy, and Dr. MA Yongsheng, the Chairman of Sinopec, signed the agreement today during a hybrid virtual / physical ceremony. Joining H.E. Minister Al-Kaabi at QatarEnergy’s headquarters in Doha were senior executives from both companies, while Dr. MA and other high level Sinopec executives participated virtually from Beijing.
In his remarks at the signing ceremony, His Excellency Minister Al-Kaabi said: “We are pleased to enter into this agreement, which will further solidify the excellent bilateral relations between the People’s Republic of China and the State of Qatar and help meet China's growing energy needs. In addition, it opens a new and exciting chapter in our relationship with Sinopec, one that is very special and spans a number of different areas, and which we are excited about further growing and expanding into the 2050s.”
His Excellency Minister Al-Kaabi added: “This is the first long-term SPA from the NFE project to be announced, and marks the longest gas supply agreement in the history of the LNG industry.”
H.E. Minister Al-Kaabi concluded his remarks by expressing his thanks and appreciation to the working teams from Sinopec, QatarEnergy and Qatargas, for their dedication and sincere efforts to conclude the SPA, and gratitude to the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for his unwavering support to Qatar’s energy sector.
On his part, Dr. MA Yongsheng, the Chairman of Sinopec, said: “The signing of the long-term LNG SPA with QatarEnergy is a milestone and an important part of the integrated cooperation between the two sides on the NFE project. Qatar is the world’s largest LNG supplier, and China is the world’s largest LNG importer. The two countries share inherent complementarities and a good foundation for energy cooperation. The friendly and close ties between the two countries have created a good environment for us to constantly deepen cooperation. Sinopec attaches great importance to the cooperation with QatarEnergy, who we regard as a strategic, long-term and all-round partner, and we are expecting more cooperation fruits to come. Sinopec has been always committed to the development of green and clean energy. Our integrated cooperation with QatarEnergy on the NFE project could not only meet the needs of the Chinese market, but also reflect Sinopec's commitment to a low-carbon, green, safe, responsible and sustainable development path.”
The agreement is the second LNG SPA between QatarEnergy and Sinopec, following the 10-year SPA signed in March 2021 for the supply of 2 MTPA to China.
The SPA is also the first long term LNG offtake agreement from the NFE Expansion project, and comes on the heels of QatarEnergy’s conclusion of the formation of eight international partnership agreements for the North Field East and North Field South (NFS) projects, which are expected to come online in 2026 and 2027, respectively.
QatarEnergy has also concluded construction contracts and long-term time charter agreements for 60 LNG carriers as part of its historic LNG shipbuilding program in support of both the NFE and NFS expansion projects, with the number expected to grow to almost 100 in the future.

Sempra Announces Strategic Partnership with ConocoPhillips for Port Arthur LNG

Sempra today announced that its subsidiary, Sempra Infrastructure, and ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) have executed a 20-year Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) for 5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Phase 1 of the proposed Port Arthur LNG project under development in Jefferson County, Texas.

The parties have also entered into an equity sale and purchase agreement whereby ConocoPhillips will acquire 30% of the equity in Phase 1 of Port Arthur LNG, and a natural gas supply management agreement whereby ConocoPhillips will manage the feedgas supply requirements for Phase 1 of the proposed liquefaction facility.

"At Sempra, we certainly believe that great projects are the result of great partnerships," said Jeffrey W. Martin, chairman and chief executive officer of Sempra. "That is why we are excited to announce a broad strategic relationship with ConocoPhillips, which has a growing global footprint across the LNG value chain. Together, we have a shared view of the role this facility can play in supporting global economies with energy supplies that advance both energy security and environmental goals."

"We are excited to partner with Sempra, and our participation in the Port Arthur LNG project will further enhance our portfolio as we continue to respond to global demand for reliable supply of natural gas," said Ryan Lance, chairman and chief executive officer of ConocoPhillips. "Sempra has a demonstrated track record of success and shares our commitment to a lower-carbon future."

Sempra Infrastructure recently announced it is expecting to make a final investment decision (FID) for Phase 1 of the liquefaction project in the first quarter of 2023. Additionally, the company announced last month that it had finalized an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract with Bechtel Energy for Phase 1. Under the terms of the EPC contract, Bechtel will perform the detailed engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, startup, performance testing and operator training activities.

The Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 project is permitted and expected to include two natural gas liquefaction trains and LNG storage tanks, and associated facilities capable of producing, under optimal conditions, up to approximately 13.5 Mtpa of LNG. A similarly sized Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 project is also competitively positioned and under active marketing and development.

Development of Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Port Arthur LNG project is contingent on completing the required commercial agreements, securing all necessary permits, obtaining financing and reaching an affirmative final investment decision, among other factors.

Mozambique’s first LNG cargo departs from Coral Sul FLNG, offshore the Rovuma basin

Eni, as Delegated Operator of the Coral South project on behalf of its Area 4 Partners (ExxonMobil, CNPC, GALP, KOGAS and ENH), informs that the first shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) produced from the Coral gas field, in the ultra-deep waters of the Rovuma Basin, has just departed from Coral Sul Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) facility.

Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi commented that “The first shipment of LNG from Coral South project, and from Mozambique, is a new and significant step forward in Eni’s strategy to leverage gas as a source that can contribute in a significant way to Europe’s energy security, also through the increasing diversification of supplies, while also supporting a just and sustainable transition. We will continue to work with our partners to ensure timely valorization of Mozambique’s vast gas resources”.

Coral South is a landmark project for the industry and firmly places Mozambique onto the global LNG stage. The project, sanctioned in 2017, comes on stream after just 5 years, in line with the initial budget and schedule, despite the disruptions caused by the Covid pandemic. This result was made possible thanks to Eni’s distinctive phased and parallelized approach, a very effective execution planning, and the strong commitment by all partners and the unwavering support of the Government of Mozambique. Coral Sul FLNG has a gas liquefaction capacity of 3.4 million tons per year and will produce LNG from the 450 billion cubic meters of gas of the Coral reservoir.

About Area 4
Area 4 is operated by Mozambique Rovuma Venture S.p.A. (MRV), an incorporated joint venture owned by Eni, ExxonMobil and CNPC, which holds a 70 percent interest in the Area 4 exploration and production concession contract. In addition to MRV, the other shareholders in Area 4 are Galp, KOGAS and ENH, each with a 10 percent participation interest. Eni is the Delegated Operator for the Coral South project and all Upstream activities in Area 4.

Excelerate Energy and the German Government Sign FSRU Charter Agreement

Excelerate Energy, Inc. (NYSE: EE) (“Excelerate”) and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany signed a five-year contract today in Berlin to charter the floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) Excelsior to help provide energy security and supply diversification to Germany while supporting the country’s transition to renewable energy.

Excelerate’s President and CEO Steven Kobos and Dr. Patrick Graichen, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), signed the contract at BMWK headquarters in a ceremony also attended by Woodward Clark Price, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Berlin.

“The deployment of the FSRU Excelsior to Germany demonstrates our commitment to strengthening energy security at a time when traditional energy sources have proven unreliable,” said Steven Kobos, President and CEO of Excelerate. “FSRUs have the ability to offer flexible access to greater supply diversification and can serve as a complementary backstop for the rapid scaling of green energy projects. These benefits are consistent with the stated goals of the U.S.-EU Task Force on Energy Security.”

BMWK previously announced that a consortium including Tree Energy Solutions, E.ON, and Engie would jointly develop and implement Germany’s fifth FSRU import terminal using an Excelerate vessel. The FSRU will accelerate the development of TES’ green hydrogen terminal at Wilhelmshaven.

Under the terms of the agreement, the FSRU Excelsior will go on charter in the first quarter of 2023. The Federal Republic of Germany intends to deploy the vessel in the Port of Wilhelmshaven. The Excelsior, which has an LNG storage capacity of 138,000 m3 and send-out capacity of 5 bcm/y, will go to drydock at the end of 2022 for scheduled maintenance prior to its deployment to Germany.

Sempra Infrastructure announces final EPC contract with Bechtel for Port Arthur LNG

Sempra Infrastructure, a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE) (BMV: SRE), today announced that Port Arthur LNG and Bechtel Energy have amended and restated the fixed-price engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract, for the proposed Phase 1 liquefaction project under development in Jefferson County, Texas. The amended contract includes an updated price of approximately $10.5 billion.

"We are excited to achieve this milestone with Bechtel. The execution of the final contract is a critical step in advancing Phase 1 of Port Arthur LNG toward a final investment decision," said Justin Bird, CEO of Sempra Infrastructure. "Based on robust customer interest, we know that Port Arthur LNG is highly attractive to the global market and we look forward to providing customers with access to secure, abundant and reliable U.S. LNG."

"We are delighted to continue our partnership with Sempra Infrastructure to deliver cleaner and more affordable energy to communities around the world. Alongside Sempra Infrastructure, Bechtel is ready to continue active construction in the Gulf Coast and bring more opportunities to the local region," added Paul Marsden, president of Bechtel Energy.

Under the EPC contract, Bechtel will perform the detailed engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, startup, performance testing and operator training activities for Phase 1 of the project.

The Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 project is permitted and expected to include two natural gas liquefaction trains and LNG storage tanks, and associated facilities capable of producing, under optimal conditions, up to approximately 13.5 million tonnes per annum of LNG. A similarly sized Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 project is also competitively positioned and under active marketing and development.

Earlier this year, Sempra Infrastructure announced the substantial completion of marketing for Phase 1 of the proposed Port Arthur LNG Project with the signing of a series of non-binding agreements with the Polish Oil & Gas Company (PGNiG), RWE Supply & Trading, INEOS Energy Trading Ltd., and ConocoPhillips.

Development of Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Port Arthur LNG project is contingent upon completing the required commercial agreements, securing all necessary permits, obtaining financing, and reaching an affirmative final investment decision, among other factors.

Eni begins providing additional deliveries of LNG to the Panigaglia terminal ahead of the 2022-2023 winter

As part of its plan to strengthen and diversify gas supplies to Italy, Eni has begun providing additional volumes of liquefied natural gas to the regasification terminal of Panigaglia (La Spezia) ahead of the 2022-2023 winter.

The first cargo was delivered on Sunday with supplies coming from Angola, reloaded on smaller ships at Spanish terminals for them to be compatible with the terminal in Liguria. Further LNG deliveries from Egypt and Algeria are also expected in October.

The overall contribution of additional LNG volumes to Italy, thanks to the availability of regassification terminals currently under development, will exceed 2 billion cubic meters between 2022 and 2023. It will progressively reach 7 billion cubic meters between 2023 and 2024, and will exceed 9 billion cubic meters between 2024-2025, in addition to further supplies to be delivered via pipeline.

First natural gas available from new floating LNG terminal in Eemshaven in mid-September

On Thursday 8 September, in the presence of Minister Rob Jetten (Climate and Energy), Prime Minister Petr Fiala of the Czech Republic, the Executive Board of Gasunie and various international contacts, the official start was given to the construction phase of the EemsEnergyTerminal, a floating LNG terminal in the Eemshaven (Groningen). The first LNG tanker also arrived that day. It is expected that the first natural gas will flow into Gasunie's gas network as early as mid-September.

Various technical activities will continue over the next few weeks. The LNG terminal is expected to be operating at full capacity by the end of November/beginning of December.

Every effort has been made to build this terminal, which will be completed in record time. Approximately 500 employees are involved. In the past few days, two FSRUs (Floating Storage Regasification Units) - the Golar Igloo and the Eemshaven LNG - have been moored in the port. Together they form the terminal where liquefied natural gas (LNG), delivered by tanker, is turned into gaseous form.

Han Fennema, CEO Gasunie: 'The EemsEnergyTerminal makes an important contribution to the security of supply and helps the Netherlands and Europe to reduce their dependence on Russian gas. In the longer term Gasunie wants to use the terminal for green hydrogen. In this way, the EemsEnergyTerminal will be able to contribute to the energy supply in the Netherlands and Europe for many years to come'.

Rob Jetten, Minister for Climate and Energy: 'It is very good news that Gasunie, together with all the parties involved at home and abroad, has been able to realise the new LNG terminal so quickly. In addition to saving as much energy as possible and filling the gas storage facilities, the import of liquid gas is indispensable for the security of gas supply in the coming winter. The arrival of the new LNG terminal is an important step not only for the Netherlands, but for the whole of Europe towards reducing its dependence on energy from Russia as quickly as possible'.

Petr Fiala, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic: This is a significant step for strengthening energy security of the Czech Republic. Today, we have set out on the path of energy independence from Russia. The capacity leased in the terminal is able to secure as much as one-third of the Czech Republic’s annual consumption,“

How the EemsEnergyTerminal works

The FSRUs: the Eemshaven LNG (Exmar) and the Golar Igloo (New Fortress Energy) are leased for a period of five years and are located in one of the Eemshaven harbour basins. The incoming boats transporting LNG will in turn moor ship-to-ship to the Golar Igloo for unloading. From there it can be transhipped to the Eemshaven LNG. Both FSRUs can 'regasify' and feed gas into Gasunie's gas pipeline network. A natural gas pipeline and a hot water pipeline have been laid on the quay. There are also connecting pipelines between the FSRUs for the aforementioned transport of LNG. A new gas pipeline has been laid from the quay to Gasunie's existing network. Outside the terminal, the gas pipeline is entirely underground. And although they are physically two FSRUs, EemsEnergyTerminal will provide services to users as a single terminal. The EemsEnergyTerminal will be able to make a total of 8 billion cubic metres of natural gas per year available to the national natural gas network after processing the LNG supplied.

Until this year, the Netherlands only had an LNG terminal in the port of Rotterdam. The expansion in the Eemshaven and the optimisation of the terminal in Rotterdam will double the import capacity for LNG.

EemsEnergyTerminal's FSRUs have arrived in Eemshaven

Both FSRUs (Floating Storage Regasification Units) have arrived at Eemshaven; the Golar Igloo (built by New Fortress Energy) arrived on Sunday 4 September 2022 and the Eemshaven LNG installation (built by Exmar) also arrived on Wednesday 6 September 2022. Together, these two FSRUs comprise the EemsEnergyTerminal. The project is now entering the next phase, which involves making the terminal technically ready.


The first LNG delivery will also follow this week. LNG (liquefied natural gas) will then be converted into gaseous natural gas. Gas is expected to flow through Gasunie's gas transport network for the first time in mid-September. Various tasks to complete the project will take place in the coming weeks. EemsEnergyTerminal expects to be able to receive, unload and ship around 18 LNG cargoes during the period up to 31 December 2022.

Gasgrid Finland and Fortum have completed negotiations – LNG terminal vessel project progresses to plan

Gasgrid Finland and Fortum have signed an agreement to place the floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) in Fortum’s port in Inkoo. Located on Finland’s south coast, the port in Inkoo is deep enough for the purpose and is close to pipelines along which gas flows to end-users in industrial and other sectors in Finland, Estonia and the Baltic Sea region.

”The teams at Gasgrid and Fortum have done great work over the summer. The preliminary agreement signed earlier paved the way for the agreement now signed to place the floating LNG terminal in the port of Inkoo. A huge thanks for the great cooperation to date,” says Gasgrid Finland’s CEO Olli Sipilä.

A start has been made on building the port structures and natural gas pipeline and the ambition is to begin deploying the LNG terminal vessel in December 2022.

Centrica signs LNG Heads of Agreement with Delfin

Centrica and Delfin Midstream Inc. today announced the signing of a Heads of Agreement to purchase 1.0 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of Liquefied Natural Gas (“LNG”) for 15-years on a Free on Board (“FOB”) basis at the Delfin Deepwater Port, located 40 nautical miles off the coast of Louisiana.

This agreement provides Delfin with another key foundation customer which will facilitate a Final Investment Decision (FID) for the first floating LNG export facility in the United States by the end of this year, with operations expected to commence in 2026.


"We are very pleased to enter into this agreement with Centrica and continue to rapidly advance Delfin’s position as a leading source of reliable low-cost energy from the safety of the US at compelling prices. Market demand for long-term LNG continues to be strong and buying activity from Europe and various other geographies has accelerated over the past few months. As a modular project that can make FID in 3.5 MTPA increments, this agreement materially advances our first vessel’s path towards FID later this year"

Dudley Poston, CEO of Delfin

Against a challenging geopolitical and macroeconomic environment Centrica has been working to bolster the UK and Ireland’s energy security both now and over the longer term. Last month Centrica signed an additional £4bn supply agreement with Equinor to supply 4.5 million UK homes through to 2025, and this £7bn agreement with Delfin, which starts in 2026, will underpin the expansion of US LNG export capacity, an increasingly important source of stable, reliable future gas supply.


"Natural gas has now been recognised as an essential transition fuel on the path to net zero just at the point geopolitical uncertainty is impacting the global gas market. Additional US gas export capacity will help increase UK, European and global energy security, reflecting the increasing importance of LNG in the global gas supply chain. I’m delighted to sign this Heads of Agreement with Delfin as we continue to deliver our new strategy, growing Centrica’s LNG portfolio and ensuring that we increase our access to a diversified range of reliable gas supplies for our customers."

Chris O’Shea, Centrica Group Chief Executive


"A key component of our Energy Security Strategy is that natural gas is a key transition fuel on the road to clean, affordable, home-grown energy. From renewables to nuclear, we have ambitious plans for greater energy independence, but we are also realistic about our energy needs now and in the years ahead. That means we need to secure more diverse and reliable sources of natural gas from friends, allies and strategic partners. Today’s deal between Centrica and Delfin is positive news for the UK, helping to ensure our diversity of supply from reliable sources - like our friends in the United States - for many years to come."

Kwasi Kwarteng MP, UK Secretary of State for Business and Energy

EemsEnergyTerminal in Eemshaven completely 'sold out’: ENGIE becoming its new shipper

Gasunie subsidiary EemsEnergyTerminal has sold the remaining capacity of the LNG terminal in Eemshaven to ENGIE SA who purchased the last 1 billion cubic metres (bcm). Earlier contracts were signed with ČEZ (Czech Republic) and Shell Western LNG B.V. The total 8 bcm available in the Eemshaven is now 'sold out'. The first delivery of LNG through the terminal is expected to take place as early as mid-September.

With these new capacities added to its existing LNG portfolio, ENGIE -through its business entity ‘Global Energy Management & Sales’- will strengthen its energy diversification strategy and increase its ability to supply LNG toward Europe.

Ulco Vermeulen, member of the Executive Board of Gasunie, is pleased that the conclusion of the contracts has led to this result "In a period of just three months, the floating LNG terminal is now completely sold out. In the coming weeks, all attention will be focused on the technical preparation of the location for the floating terminal. This too will take place at record speed.”

According to Marc Pannier, Executive Committee Member of ENGIE’s business entity ‘Global Energy Management & Sales’: “These new capacities are part of ENGIE's strategy to secure the supply for our customers and support the energy independency in Europe.”

Until this year, the Netherlands only had an LNG terminal in the port of Rotterdam. The expansion in Eemshaven and the optimisation of the Rotterdam terminal will double the LNG import capacity. The new LNG terminal in Eemshaven will consist of two floating FRSUs (Floating Storage and Regasification Units): the Exmar S188 and the Golar Igloo. They are expected to arrive at Eemshaven in early September.

Over the next five years, the floating terminal will convert liquid natural gas into gaseous natural gas in Eemshaven, after which it can be fed into the national natural gas network. In total, an additional 8 billion cubic metres of natural gas (8 bcm) can be brought to the Netherlands.

Eni acquires the Tango FLNG to produce and export LNG from the Republic of Congo

Eni informs that it has acquired the company Export LNG Ltd, which owns the Tango FLNG floating liquefaction facility, from Exmar group. The facility will be used by Eni in the Republic of Congo, as part of the activities of the natural gas development project in the Marine XII block, in line with Eni's strategy to leverage gas equity resources.

The Tango FLNG, built in 2017, has a treatment capacity of approximately 3 million standard cubic meters/day and an LNG production capacity of approximately 0.6 million tons per year (about 1 billion standard cubic meters/year). The acquisition of this facility allows the development of a fast-track model capable of seizing the opportunities of the LNG market. In addition, the high flexibility and mobility characteristics of the Tango FLNG will favour the development and enhancement of Eni's equity gas by accelerating production start-up time.

Tango FLNG will begin its activity in Congo in the second half of 2023, following the completion of mooring and connection works necessary to tie with the Marine XII network and infrastructure. LNG production from Marine XII is expected to begin in 2023, and when fully operational it will provide volumes in excess of 3 million tons/year (over 4.5 billion cubic meters/year).

Freeport LNG and Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Enter Into Consent Agreement

Freeport LNG Development, L.P. (Freeport LNG) and the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) have entered into a Consent Agreement related to the June 8 incident at Freeport LNG’s liquefaction facility. Freeport LNG has a long history of commitment to safety and safe operation and overall, the obligations under the Consent Agreement are intended to ensure that Freeport LNG can safely and confidently resume initial LNG production and thereafter ultimately return to full operation of all liquefaction facilities.

In the near term, the Consent Agreement includes certain corrective measures, many of which are currently underway, that Freeport LNG is to take to obtain PHMSA approval for an initial resumption of LNG production from its liquefaction facility. Freeport LNG continues to believe that it can complete the necessary corrective measures, along with the applicable repair and restoration activities, in order to resume initial operations in early October. Those initial operations are expected to consist of three liquefaction trains, two LNG storage tanks and one LNG loading dock, which the company believes will enable delivery of approximately 2 BCF per day of LNG, enough to support its existing long-term customer agreements. In addition to the repair and replacement of Freeport LNG’s physical infrastructure that was damaged in the incident, and as part of the corrective measures under the Consent Agreement, the company is evaluating and advancing initiatives related to training, process safety management, operations and maintenance procedure improvements, and facility inspections.

Excelerate Energy Signs Gas Sales MOU with Bulgaria’s Overgas

Excelerate Energy, Inc. (NYSE: EE) (“Excelerate”) and Bulgaria’s Overgas Inc. AD (“Overgas”) announced today that the two Parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”), in Sofia, Bulgaria on July 14, 2022 relating to the sale of regasified liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) downstream of Excelerate’s planned Vlora LNG terminal in Albania.

Under this MOU, the two Parties will enter into a negotiation for Overgas to purchase up to 1.0 billion cubic meters of regasified LNG annually for ten years from Excelerate (or an affiliated entity) via the Vlora Terminal and the proposed Vlora-Fier Pipeline which is expected to interconnect with existing natural gas infrastructure in Europe’s Southern Gas Corridor. The MOU expands the scope of Excelerate’s Vlora Terminal project to include downstream sales of regasified LNG into Europe and has the potential to bring much needed supply diversification not only in Bulgaria, but also in neighboring countries in the region.

“For many countries in Europe’s Southern Gas Corridor, flexible access to LNG remains critical to ensuring their energy security,” said Oliver Simpson, Commercial Vice President of Excelerate. “Integrated LNG projects like the Vlora Terminal are a logical solution for meeting the urgent energy needs of Bulgaria and other Balkan and European countries linked to the Southern Gas Corridor. We look forward to working with Overgas and believe this agreement is the first of several that will address the lack of supply diversity in the region.”

Svetoslav Ivanov, Executive Director of Overgas said, “We are excited to begin working with an industry leader such as Excelerate. The signing of this agreement is a phenomenal example of the EU’s progress towards energy diversification and energy security in the Union, and especially in the Balkans.”

This agreement follows previous MOUs between Excelerate, Snam S.p.A (Snam), and Albgaz Sh.a (Albgaz) and between Overgas and Albgaz to explore potential cooperation for the construction of a natural gas pipeline from the Vlora Terminal to other natural gas infrastructure in Albania.

Snam Purchases 5 Billion Cubic Metre Floating LNG Regasification Terminal From Golar LNG For US$ 350 Million

Snam and Golar LNG Limited ("Golar") have signed an agreement for the Snam Group to acquire 100% of the share capital of Golar LNG NB 13 Corporation, whose sole asset is a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU), named "Golar Tundra", for US$350 million (about €330 million). The transaction was approved by the Snam Board of Directors on May 30th.

The Golar Tundra can operate both as an LNG carrier and as an FSRU. The vessel, built in 2015, has a storage capacity of around 170,000 cubic metres of LNG and a continuous regasification capacity of 5 billion cubic meters per year. In order to maximise its regasification capacity, the vessel will be located in central-northern Italy, close to the areas with greatest gas consumption. The Golar Tundra is expected to start operations as an FSRU during the spring of 2023, subject to completion of authorisation, regulatory processes and the construction of the necessary infrastructure connecting the terminal to the existing gas transport network.

Snam CEO Stefano Venier commented: "With the purchase of the Golar Tundra, Snam is taking a decisive step to enhance the security and diversification of Italy’s energy supplies, in line with its mission. The role of the new FSRU for the benefit of our country will be essential: alone it will contribute to about 6.5% of domestic needs thus bringing the country’s regasification capacity to over 25% of the demand. Snam completed the transaction quickly and effectively in a highly competitive market due to the scarcity of supply and is continuing its efforts to acquire a second FSRU of a similar size, for which exclusive negotiations are currently under way and expected to be finalised by end of June".

Golar CEO Karl Fredrik Staubo commented: "We are pleased to have reached an agreement for Golar Tundra with Europe’s largest natural gas infrastructure owner. Today’s announced sale marks the second transaction between Golar and Snam for two independent FSRU projects in Italy in a short period of time. We are pleased to work with Snam for the successful start-up of the LNG terminals, and to contribute to Europe’s drive towards energy security. With the sale of Golar Tundra, Golar reinforce its focus on FLNG, enabling efficient production of proven gas reserves allowing customers to further diversify gas supply."

As part of the transaction, which followed a due diligence assessment of the acquired company and the FSRU itself, Golar will lease Golar Tundra from Snam as an LNG carrier for a limited period of time after closing, and assist Snam in the preparatory work for the installation of the vessel in the selected port. The completion of the transaction occurred simultaneously with the signing of the contracts and will be financed by Snam out of its own resources. In the coming months Snam will begin activities to contract LNG regasification capacity, which will gradually become available from start-up of Golar Tundra as an FSRU expected during the spring of 2023.

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

Cheniere Energy, Inc. (“Cheniere” or the “Company”) (NYSE American: LNG) announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cheniere Marketing, LLC (“Cheniere Marketing”), has entered into a long-term liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) sale and purchase agreement (“SPA”) with a subsidiary of PetroChina Company Limited (“PetroChina”).

Under the SPA, PetroChina subsidiary PetroChina International Company Limited (“PCI”) has agreed to purchase up to approximately 1.8 million tonnes per annum (“mtpa”) of LNG from Cheniere Marketing on a free-on-board basis. Deliveries under the SPA will begin in 2026, reach the full 1.8 mtpa in 2028, and continue through 2050. The purchase price for LNG under the SPA is indexed to the Henry Hub price, plus a fixed liquefaction fee. Half of the total volume, or approximately 0.9 mtpa, is subject to Cheniere making a positive final investment decision to construct additional liquefaction capacity at the Corpus Christi LNG Terminal beyond the seven-train Corpus Christi Stage 3 Project.

“We are pleased to build upon our existing and successful long-term relationship with PetroChina and sign our first LNG contract that crosses over into the second half of this century,” said Jack Fusco, Cheniere’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “PetroChina is a leading energy company in one of the largest and fastest growing markets for LNG. This SPA increases Cheniere’s long-term sales to PetroChina to approximately 3 mtpa, and we are proud to support China’s progress toward a lower-carbon future with our reliable, cleaner burning LNG.”

Commenting on the agreement, Mr. Tian Jinghui, Executive Chairman of PCI stated “Natural gas continues to play a vital role in enabling energy transition in China. We are pleased to further expand our cooperation with Cheniere in delivering LNG, one of the cleanest fuel choices to our millions of customers for many years to come.”

Bechtel starts construction on Taiwan’s largest LNG storage tanks

Today, Bechtel, CPC Corporation, and MRY broke ground on the project to design and build LNG tanks for the CPC Taichung Phase III LNG import terminal in Taichung, Taiwan.

o meet increasing demand for natural gas and to enhance the stability of natural gas supplies in Taiwan, CPC is expanding its facility to include two full containment tanks and associated regasification facilities.

Bechtel will execute engineering, procurement, and construction of two 180,000 m3 full containment LNG tanks, Taiwan’s largest storage tanks ever built.

CPC is leading the way for Taiwan in meeting the country’s clean energy aspirations by rapidly expanding the country’s LNG import terminals to support the move from coal to natural gas as their primary transitional source of energy for the near future.

“Today marks another important step toward meeting the increasing demand for natural gas. Together with CPC Corporation and MRY, we are delivering cleaner, greener, and safer energy to Taiwan, supporting both their energy growth and security” said Paul Marsden, president of Bechtel Energy. “To power the needs of the world, we need LNG and storage capability which is what we are doing here on this site today, by celebrating the start of construction on the largest storage tanks ever to be built in Taiwan”.

American Institute in Taiwan Director Sandra Oudkirk expressed her support for Bechtel’s partnership with CPC on the new LNG storage facility in Taichung. Oudkirk underscored the importance of the U.S.-Taiwan economic relationship and a commitment to reliable and clean energy that supports economic development and protects the environment.

As the need for LNG continues to grow, Bechtel stands ready to support governments and communities around the world in pursuit of carbon reduction.

ConocoPhillips and Sempra Infrastructure Sign Heads of Agreement for Large-Scale LNG Projects and Carbon Capture Activities

ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) today announced a potentially significant expansion of its global liquefied natural gas (LNG) business through investment in a new large-scale LNG facility under development by Sempra Infrastructure, a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE) (BMV: SRE), in Jefferson County, Texas. ConocoPhillips has entered into a Heads of Agreement (HOA) with Sempra to acquire a 30% direct equity holding in Port Arthur Liquefaction Holdings, LLC and an LNG offtake equivalent to approximately 5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) from the Port Arthur LNG project.

The first phase of the project is fully permitted and expected to include two liquefaction trains and LNG storage tanks, as well as associated facilities capable of producing, under optimal conditions, up to approximately 13.5 Mtpa of LNG. As one of the top five natural gas marketers in North America, ConocoPhillips will bring extensive commercial expertise and resources to benefit the project. Under the terms of the HOA, ConocoPhillips will supply the gas for its 5 Mtpa offtake and may provide additional gas supply services to the Port Arthur LNG facility. In addition, ConocoPhillips will have the option to acquire certain LNG offtake and equity ownership from future contemplated LNG trains at the Port Arthur LNG site, where a similarly sized Phase 2 project is also under development.

“ConocoPhillips has been a driving force in the LNG industry since we helped open the Atlantic LNG market beginning in the 1950s, and then the Asia-Pacific market by delivering the first LNG cargo to Tokyo Bay in 1969,” said Ryan Lance, chairman and chief executive officer. “The decision to enter into this agreement with Sempra provides us with a ground-floor opportunity to participate in premier LNG developments, reinforcing our commitment to helping solve the world’s energy supply needs as we transition to a lower-carbon future. Sempra brings a long history of successful LNG project development, and we look forward to working together to provide reliable LNG to support the energy transition and strengthen U.S. and global energy security.”

“At Sempra, we believe bold new partnerships will be central to solving the world’s energy security and decarbonization challenges,” said Jeffrey W. Martin, chairman and chief executive officer of Sempra. “That is why we are excited to announce this proposed partnership with ConocoPhillips, a leading global energy producer that also shares our vision of responsibly developing and delivering cleaner energy resources.”

The companies will also evaluate development of low-carbon projects, including a carbon capture and storage (CCS) project for the Port Arthur LNG facility, and Sempra Infrastructure would have the opportunity to participate in carbon capture and sequestration projects developed by ConocoPhillips in Texas or Louisiana in connection with the Port Arthur LNG project. Additionally, the HOA provides an opportunity for ConocoPhillips to acquire offtake and equity participation in Sempra’s development of the Energia Costa Azul LNG Phase 2 Project to be located north of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. This future expansion of the existing Energia Costa Azul project is ideally located to supply Asia-Pacific markets.

The referenced HOA is a preliminary, non-binding arrangement, with development of the Port Arthur LNG project subject to concluding definitive agreements and resolving a number of risks and uncertainties, including, among others, signing engineering and construction contracts, obtaining financing and reaching a final investment decision between the parties.

“This HOA aligns with our Triple Mandate, the objectives of which are to reliably and responsibly deliver production to meet energy transition pathway demand, deliver competitive returns on and of capital to our shareholders, and achieve our Paris-aligned targets and 2050 net-zero operational emissions ambition,” added Lance. “We are now positioned among the largest natural gas producers in the U.S. through our recent acquisitions of Concho and Shell’s Permian assets and are interested in expanding our LNG presence. Equity ownership in the Port Arthur LNG project would allow ConocoPhillips to participate in future expansions and lower-carbon activities in line with our own strategic initiatives.”

The use of natural gas in place of coal and refined products represents an opportunity for significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions across the globe. ConocoPhillips will leverage existing strengths in natural gas marketing and trading and emissions reduction projects in support of the Port Arthur LNG project as well as its growing global LNG portfolio. That portfolio includes the recent announcements of the company increasing its equity share in Australia Pacific LNG to 47.5% and selection as a partner in the North Field East Project in Qatar, further bolstering ConocoPhillips’ presence in the country. The company also licenses its liquefaction Optimized Cascade Process® in 27 trains around the world and has become one of the largest natural gas producers and marketers in North America.

Snam Purchases New Floating Regasification Unit From BW LNG To Contribute To Italy's Energy Security And Diversification

Snam and BW LNG have signed an agreement for the acquisition by Snam Group of 100% of the share capital of FSRU I Limited, which upon closing will own the floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) "BW Singapore" as its sole asset.

BW Singapore, built in 2015, has a maximum storage capacity of about 170,000 cubic metres of LNG (liquefied natural gas) and a nominal continuous regasification capacity of about 5 billion cubic metres per year. The unit has been deployed from the outset as an FSRU but can also operate as a carrier for the transport of LNG.

The FSRU, which is currently bound by a charter agreement with a third party until November 2023, is expected to be installed in the upper Adriatic Sea, close to the coast of Ravenna. Operations are scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2024, following the completion of the authorisation and regulatory process as well as the finalisation of the works required for mooring and connection to the gas transport network.

Snam CEO Stefano Venier commented: "With this operation, we are providing Italy with its second new floating regasification unit thus making a decisive contribution to the country’s energy security and diversification. The two FSRUs acquired in the last month by Snam will contribute 13% of the national gas demand alone, bringing regasification capacity to over 30% of demand, as soon as we will get the permits to positioning them and get them connected to the national transmission network. The vessel’s position in the upper Adriatic Sea will allow the new unit to intercept potential new LNG flows from North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. Securing these two new units was not easy, in a market characterized by a shortage of supply and international competition that was growing strongly with each passing week. The swift completion of these two acquisitions provides with the authorization process and the starting of operations with precious time, which is essential to tackle with the current energy crisis."

BW LNG CEO Yngvil Åsheim commented: “We are pleased to work with Snam to help Italy and Europe diversify its gas infrastructure and contribute to energy security when BW Singapore’s current contract expires in November 2023. At BW LNG we are committed to our strategy to provide floating LNG infrastructure that supports the journey to a low carbon society. A cornerstone of this strategy is our FSRU segment, where we will continue to explore growth opportunities. We also have four LNG carriers on order for delivery in 2025."

The acquisition will be financed by Snam from its own resources for an amount of approximately 400 million US dollars, which will be paid in two tranches. The FSRU will be made available to Snam at the closing date of the deal, which is expected by the end of 2023.

In the coming months, Snam will also begin activities to contract LNG regasification capacity which will gradually become available from the start-up of BW Singapore in Italy.

Construction of Wilhelmshaven LNG terminal can start quickly

The construction work for Germany's first LNG terminal and for the onshore and seaward port infrastructure can begin now that the - State Trade Supervisory Authority Oldenburg has given its approval for an early start. The official start of construction of the FSRU-based LNG terninal is July 4, 2022. Up to 7.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year are to be handled via this terminal as quickly as possible. This is about 8.5 percent of Germany's current gas demand per year. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection and Uniper are aiming for commissioning in winter 2022/2023.

"We are very pleased that things are now visibly getting underway," says Lower Saxony's Minister for the Environment, Energy, Building and Climate Protection Olaf Lies. "We need a replacement for Russian gas as quickly as possible, and we in the north are prepared to take responsibility for this. Every cubic meter we save will help us get through the next winter, and every cubic meter we import to Germany via alternative routes in the future will help us free ourselves more quickly from Russia's grip. Here in Wilhelmshaven, we are currently demonstrating what the new German speed means: we are planning, approving and building at eight times the normal speed. With such complex projects, this is only possible if everyone pulls in the same direction. Our thanks must therefore go in particular to the employees of the approval authorities. They have been working under high pressure day and night for many weeks on this important building block for more independence and freedom of our energy supply."

Klaus-Dieter Maubach, CEO Uniper: "The rapid approval for the early start of construction shows the importance of the LNG terminal in Wilhelmshaven for the country's security of supply. This cannot be taken for granted - above all, it shows what is possible when society, industry and politics pull together. We are proud to be able to make a significant contribution to Germany's independence in natural gas supplies at our site in Wilhelmshaven, hopefully before the end of the winter 2022/2023. In the medium and long term, our Green Wilhelmshaven hydrogen project will set the course for an even more climate-friendly energy supply."

Uniper had submitted the application for the required permit and for admission of an early start under the German Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG) to the Oldenburg State Trade Inspectorate at the beginning of June.

The permit for an early start construction works in accordance with §8a BImSchG relates to all parts of the land- and seaward infrastructure as well as an approximately 30 km long high-pressure gas pipeline between the FSRU and the transfer point into the natural gas pipeline network of Open Grid Europe (OGE). The BImSchG application, the essential parts of which have already been submitted to the approval authority, is to be completed by the beginning of September 2022.


Background:

The first landing terminal for LNG in Germany will be built in Wilhelmshaven at the Voslapper Groden transhipment facility. Uniper will build and operate the terminal at the request of the Federal Republic of Germany. Uniper's goal is independence from individual energy sources and a sustainable energy future.

In a second project step, a permanent and expanded port solution for the FSRU is to be realized in parallel to the existing UVG. Here, it is planned to create additional unloading and handling facilities for green gases, e.g. ammonia, in order to be able to utilize the full potential of this new infrastructure project in Wilhelmshaven ("Green Wilhelmshaven").

The Wilhelmshaven site offers ideal conditions from both a maritime and logistical perspective. LNG tankers of all sizes will be able to call at the facility regardless of the tides and in line with the highest international safety standards. All that is required for the connection to the existing natural gas pipeline network is a gas pipeline around 30 kilometers long, the realization of which has already been started by OGE.

Wood awarded owner’s engineer contract for Cameron LNG expansion project

Wood will perform owner’s engineering services for the Cameron LNG expansion project, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and export facility located in Louisiana, U.S.

The contract, awarded by Cameron LNG, will cover activities relating to the development of a fourth LNG train, with a planned production capacity of approximately 6.75 million metric tons per annum (Mtpa), and improved production from the first three trains which currently deliver 12 Mtpa of LNG export capacity.

John Day, Senior Vice President of Conventional Energy, Americas, at Wood, said: “LNG has come into sharp focus as countries look to ensure energy security, particularly with the disruption to European energy supplies. The U.S. is positioned to become the largest LNG producer in the world and projects such as this one will enable the rapid and much-needed increase in the supply of cleaner natural gas.

“We are proud to continue our involvement with such a strategic project in terms of increasing the supply of cleaner, reliable, and more affordable energy to the world. Our knowledge of the facility, combined with our wealth of gas monetization expertise and experience in delivering world-class LNG projects, will enable us to successfully execute the scope entrusted to us.”

Located about 25 kilometers north of the Gulf of Mexico, the Cameron LNG facility was initially envisaged as a regasification terminal before evolving into a natural gas liquefaction export facility.

TotalEnergies the First Company Selected to Partner with QatarEnergy on the Giant North Field East LNG Project

Following the request for proposals in relation to partner selection for the North Field East (NFE) liquified natural gas project, TotalEnergies has been awarded a 25% interest in a new joint venture (JV), alongside national company QatarEnergy (75%). The new JV will hold a 25% interest in the 32 million tons per annum (Mtpa) NFE project, equivalent to one 8 Mtpa LNG train.

 
The World's Largest LNG Project

The NFE, launched by QatarEnergy in summer 2019, is currently under construction. It is intended to increase Qatar's total LNG export capacity from 77 Mtpa to around 110 Mtpa by 2027, thanks to the construction of four 8 Mtpa trains. The upstream part of the project will develop the southeastern area of the field with 8 platforms, 80 wells and gas pipelines to the onshore plant.
A Low-Carbon LNG Project

Paying special attention to environmental and climate challenges, the project will apply the highest standards to reduce emissions. The native CO2 from natural gas production will be captured and sequestrated in a saline aquifer. In addition, the facilities will be connected to the country's electrical grid, which will supply a growing portion of renewable electricity – in line with Qatar’s climate ambitions – thanks to the giant Al Kharsaah solar power plant, which is scheduled to come on stream in 2022, and in which TotalEnergies is a partner.

At the award ceremony, Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies, said: "This is another historic day for TotalEnergies in Qatar, where we have been present for more than 80 years. Qatar has huge natural gas resources that it intends to develop further to increase the production of the least expensive, the most environmentally respectful and the best located LNG. TotalEnergies was present at the beginning of its LNG industry in Qatar some 30 years ago through its interest in Qatargas 1, and then Qatargas 2 in 2005. We are very proud that Qatar has chosen again TotalEnergies, this time as the first partner for its new major phase of LNG expansion. It is a clear testimony of the profound trust that the teams have developed together, and it will extend our strategic partnership with Qatar and QatarEnergy for more than 25 years. It is good news for the fight against Climate Change as gas and LNG are key to support the energy transition, and notably the shift from coal to gas in many countries. With its low costs and low greenhouse gas emissions – thanks to carbon capture and storage – the North Field expansion will be an exemplary and major contribution to our low-carbon LNG growth strategy. This new partnership will indeed enable us to reinforce our global LNG portfolio and, together with Qatar, it will support our ability to contribute to Europe energy security."

In his remarks during the ceremony, His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the President and CEO of QatarEnergy, said: “This is a historic landmark for Qatar’s energy industry and for the world’s largest LNG development. The North Field East project is an iconic achievement that will not only ensure the optimal utilization of Qatar’s natural resources but will also provide the world with the cleaner and more reliable energy it needs. Today, QatarEnergy is standing at the threshold of a new era with a stronger commitment to energy transition and to the safe, reliable, and trustworthy access to cleaner energy. We will continue to power lives in every corner of the world for a better tomorrow for all. This is our commitment. We look forward to working closely with TotalEnergies, who are a long-term strategic partner that we have always trusted to support the efficient and safe delivery of our projects. I would like to thank all the team members in QatarEnergy and TotalEnergies for the excellent collaboration and for all their hard work that has led to this important moment. I also would like to express thanks and appreciation to the project’s team and to the Qatargas organization for continuing to deliver the NFE project, and with an outstanding safety record. We are forever grateful to the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and for His unlimited support of Qatar’s energy sector.”

ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy to expand LNG production with North Field East agreement

ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy today announced they have signed an agreement to further develop Qatar’s North Field East project, which will expand Qatar’s annual LNG capacity from 77 million tons to 110 million tons by 2026. The deal was announced at QatarEnergy’s headquarters in Doha.

LNG provides cleaner energy than coal and can be transported to global markets
Production to increase from 77 million tons to 110 million tons per year

“We are collaborating with QatarEnergy on North Field East to accelerate the production of secure, affordable and cleaner energy our world needs,” said Darren Woods, chairman and chief executive officer for ExxonMobil. “ExxonMobil has a long history of working in Qatar, responsibly producing energy, and we look forward to continuing our relationship for the benefit of all of our stakeholders.”

“Today, we are signing a partnership agreement with ExxonMobil, our strategic and long-term partner, with whom we have enjoyed successful and fruitful relations in Qatar and across the globe. This is primarily due to the mutual trust and confidence between both parties, and to the State of Qatar’s safe and stable investment climate,” said His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, president and chief executive officer of QatarEnergy. “We look forward to working closely with ExxonMobil to implement this world-scale project, and to live up to our commitment to power lives with cleaner energy in every corner of the world for a better tomorrow for all.”

With North Field East, ExxonMobil’s participation in Qatar LNG volumes is expected to increase total capacity from 52 to 60 million tons per year. Under the terms of the agreement, QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil will become partners in a new joint venture company (JV), in which QatarEnergy will hold a 75% interest with ExxonMobil holding the remaining 25% interest. The JV will own 25% of the entire North Field East project, including four LNG trains with a combined nameplate capacity of 32 million tons per year.

The expansion of North Field East and increased LNG export capacity is one of Qatar’s key energy objectives. QatarEnergy is the operator and commenced the North Field East project in 2019. First LNG from North Field East is expected in 2026.

ExxonMobil has had a presence in Qatar since 1955 and long supported the development of the country’s LNG industry and energy sector.

Terms of the agreement are confidential.

Eni enters the world’s largest LNG project in Qatar

The Minister of State for Energy Affairs, President and CEO of QatarEnergy, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, and Eni CEO, Claudio Descalzi, signed the partnership agreement for the creation of the new Joint Venture company during an official ceremony today. QatarEnergy will hold a 75% interest while Eni the remaining 25% interest. The JV will hold 12,5% interest in the entire NFE project, including the 4 mega LNG trains with a combined capacity of 32 MTPA.

The NFE project will expand Qatar’s LNG export capacity from the current 77 million tons per annum (MTPA) to 110 MTPA. A $28.75 billion investment, NFE is expected to start production before the end of 2025 and will deploy state of the art technologies to minimize overall carbon footprint, including carbon capture and sequestration.

The agreement marks the completion of a competitive process started in 2019 and has a duration of 27 years. It is a strategic move for Eni, which expands Eni’s presence in the Middle East and gains access to a world leading LNG producer, detaining among the largest natural gas reserves in the world. It is also a significant milestone in the Company’s diversification strategy, adding a cleaner and reliable energy source to its portfolio.

In his remarks during the ceremony, Eni CEO Descalzi said: “We are honored and delighted for having been selected as partner in the North Field East expansion project. As a newcomer joining this world leading LNG project, we feel the privilege and the responsibility of being a strategic partner of choice for the State of Qatar. This agreement is a significant milestone for Eni and fits our objective to diversify into cleaner and more reliable energy sources in line with our decarbonization strategy. Eni looks forward to working with QatarEnergy on this project to positively contribute to increasing worldwide gas security of supply.”

Venture Global and EnBW announce LNG sales and purchase agreements

Today, Venture Global LNG and EnBW announced the execution of two long-term Sales and Purchase Agreements (SPAs) for 1.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Venture Global’s Plaquemines and CP2 facilities, starting 2026. According to the agreement, EnBW will purchase 0.75 MTPA from Plaquemines LNG and 0.75 MTPA from CP2 LNG for 20 years. EnBW becomes the next European customer of Venture Global, who already announced agreements with PGNiG, BP, Shell, Repsol, Edison and GALP.

“Venture Global is thrilled to welcome EnBW as a long-term customer for both our Plaquemines and CP2 LNG facilities,” said Mike Sabel, CEO of Venture Global LNG. “This is the first direct binding offtake agreement for long-term US LNG signed by a German company, an important step that manifests Germany’s strategy to diversify its energy mix. Our company is honored to become a major provider of LNG to Germany, providing security of supply on a competitive, long-term basis.”

“EnBW looks forward to a long-term LNG partnership with Venture Global”, says Georg Stamatelopoulos, Chief Operating Officer Generation & Trading at EnBW. “We have expanded our LNG activities step by step in the recent years. Liquefied natural gas plays a key role in the diversification of our fuels for electricity and heat generation: It opens up the possibility of new sources to secure Germany's gas supply in the current energy transition phase and builds a bridge to a green energy supply.”

Sempra Infrastructure and INEOS Energy Trading Sign Heads of Agreement for LNG Supply

Sempra Infrastructure, a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE) (BMV: SRE), and INEOS Energy Trading Ltd., a subsidiary of INEOS, a global chemical products manufacturer, today announced they have entered into a heads of agreement (HOA) for the long-term supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Sempra Infrastructure's Gulf Coast LNG portfolio of projects under development in North America.

The HOA provides the framework for the negotiation and finalization of a definitive 20-year LNG sale and purchase agreement for approximately 1.4 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of LNG delivered free-on-board from the proposed Port Arthur LNG project or Cameron LNG Phase 2 project.

"INEOS is one of Europe's largest end-users of natural gas and we look forward to building a long-term relationship with a company that shares our vision of increasing the world's energy security while simultaneously advancing lower-carbon energy sources," said Justin Bird, CEO of Sempra Infrastructure. "This HOA demonstrates our ongoing momentum in advancing our next generation of LNG export facilities with an eye toward supplying U.S. natural gas to some of the world's leading energy and manufacturing companies."

"We are delighted to begin a strategic relationship with Sempra Infrastructure bringing significant expertise in construction and operation of LNG facilities. This agreement is an important part of our strategy as we build a network of liquefaction, shipping and regasification capacity to deliver affordable, cleaner and reliable energy to our businesses and customers globally," said David Bucknall, CEO of INEOS Energy.

Sempra Infrastructure is working to expand its Gulf Coast LNG asset base through the simultaneous development of the Port Arthur LNG project in Jefferson County, Texas, and the proposed expansion of the Cameron LNG facility in Hackberry, Louisiana. INEOS joins the company's growing portfolio of global energy and manufacturing companies that have recently executed HOAs for potential long-term offtake from these projects.

In addition to the 1.4 Mtpa HOA with INEOS Energy Trading, last month Sempra Infrastructure announced an HOA with the Polish Oil & Gas Company (PGNiG) for 2 Mtpa from Cameron LNG Phase 2 and 1 Mtpa from Port Arthur LNG, with an option for PGNiG to reallocate the Cameron LNG Phase 2 volumes to Port Arthur LNG. Sempra Infrastructure also recently announced an HOA with RWE Supply and Trading for 2.25 Mtpa from the Port Arthur LNG project.

The Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 project has received all major permits and is anticipated to include up to two natural gas liquefaction trains capable of producing, under optimal conditions, approximately 13.5 Mtpa of LNG. In addition, the proposed Cameron LNG Phase 2 project, expected to include a single LNG train with a maximum production capacity of 6.75 Mtpa of LNG, continues to reach a number of important commercial and permitting milestones, including the launch of a competitive Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) process.

The referenced HOAs are preliminary non-binding arrangements, and the development of the Port Arthur LNG and Cameron LNG Phase 2 projects remain subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including reaching definitive agreements, securing all necessary permits, signing engineering and construction contracts, obtaining financing and incentives, and reaching a final investment decision.

Cheniere Announces Positive Final Investment Decision on the Corpus Christi Stage 3 Liquefaction Project

Cheniere Energy, Inc. (“Cheniere” or the “Company”) (NYSE American: LNG) announced today that its Board of Directors has made a positive Financial Investment Decision (“FID”) with respect to the 10+ million tonnes per annum of LNG Corpus Christi Stage 3 Liquefaction Project (“CCL Stage 3”) and has issued full notice to proceed to Bechtel Energy Inc. (“Bechtel”) to continue construction on CCL Stage 3, which began earlier this year under limited notice to proceed.

“Reaching FID on Corpus Christi Stage 3 represents an important milestone for Cheniere as we move forward on this significant growth project, which will strengthen our market-leading LNG infrastructure platform, provide much-needed volumes to the global LNG market by the end of 2025, and create long-term value for our stakeholders,” said Jack Fusco, Cheniere’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “I would like to recognize the Cheniere team, our financial partners, our EPC partner Bechtel and our long-term customers for their demonstrated teamwork, commitment and execution, all of which were critical elements in the successful commercialization and financing of CCL Stage 3. CCL Stage 3 is supported by a truly global portfolio of long-term customers and reflects the call for investment in natural gas infrastructure around the world to support environmental priorities and long-term energy security.”

On June 15, 2022, Cheniere’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Cheniere Corpus Christi Holdings, LLC (“CCH”) closed on an amended and restated approximately $4 billion Senior Secured Term Loan due 2029 (“CCH 2029 Term Loan”), as well as an amended, extended and upsized $1.5 billion Working Capital Facility due 2027. In conjunction with the financing, Cheniere contributed its wholly-owned equity interests in Corpus Christi Liquefaction Stage III, LLC (“CCL Stage III, LLC”) to CCH, and merged CCL Stage III, LLC into Corpus Christi Liquefaction, LLC (“CCL”), a subsidiary of CCH, with CCL continuing as the surviving company. Borrowings under the CCH 2029 Term Loan are being used to fund approximately half of the total expected cost to develop, construct, and place into service CCL Stage 3, the associated pipeline expansion and other infrastructure at or near the project, and for related business purposes. The remaining costs are expected to be funded from Cheniere.

Coral South Introduces Hydrocarbons to FLNG Offshore Mozambique

Eni, as Upstream Delegated Operator of Area 4 on behalf of its partners ExxonMobil, CNPC, GALP, KOGAS and ENH, announces that the Coral South Project has safely achieved the introduction of hydrocarbons to the Coral Sul Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) plant from the Coral South reservoir offshore Mozambique.

Following the introduction of gas in the plant, Coral Sul FLNG will now be ready to achieve its first LNG cargo in the second half of 2022, adding Mozambique to the LNG-producing countries.

Hydrocarbons introduction comes after the safe and timely conclusion of the offshore commissioning activities. The FLNG arrived at the final operating site offshore Mozambique in early January 2022; mooring and connection to six underwater production wells were finalized in March and May 2022, respectively.

The Coral South project achieved Final Investment Decision in 2017; FLNG fabrication and construction activities started in September 2018 (Hull first steel cut), and were completed in 38 months as planned, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, with a FLNG Sail Away, from South Korea to Mozambique, on November 2021. While performing the construction activities in Korea, several significant activities were undertaken in Mozambique, with support from the Mozambican authorities, including the ultra-deep waters (2,000m wd) Drilling and Completion and Offshore Installation campaign that involved the highest technological and operational skills.

Coral-Sul FLNG has been implemented with an energy optimization approach, integrated in the design via a systematic analysis of energy efficiency improvements. These include among others, zero flaring during normal operations, use of thermal efficient aero-derivative gas turbines for refrigerant compressors and generation, use of Dry Low NOx technology to reduce NOx emission and waste heat recovery systems for the process.

About Coral Sul FLNG
The Coral Sul FLNG is 432 meters long and 66 meters wide, weights around 220,000 tons and has the capacity to accommodate up to 350 people in its eight-story Living Quarter module. The facility is located at a water-depth of around 2,000 meters and is kept in position by means of 20 mooring lines that totally weight 9,000 tons.

Coral Sul FLNG has a gas liquefaction capacity of 3.4 million tons per year (MTPA) and will put in production 450 billion cubic meters of gas from the giant Coral reservoir, located in the offshore Rovuma Basin. Coral-Sul FLNG is the first floating LNG facility ever deployed in the deep waters of the African continent.

Sempra Infrastructure and RWE Sign Heads of Agreement for U.S. LNG Supply

Sempra Infrastructure , a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE) (BMV: SRE), today announced it has entered into a heads of agreement (HOA) with RWE Supply & Trading, a subsidiary of RWE (RWE: AG), for the purchase of approximately 2.25 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The LNG is to be supplied on a long-term, free-on-board basis from the Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 project under development in Jefferson County, Texas.

"Sempra Infrastructure's LNG projects are uniquely positioned to help provide U.S. LNG to support the energy security of America's allies in Europe, while also accelerating the transition to a lower carbon future. We are excited about the opportunity to work with one of Germany's top power producers to achieve these dual goals," said Justin Bird, CEO of Sempra Infrastructure. "We see opportunities to work together with RWE across the energy transition, including LNG, hydrogen and renewables. With today's agreement, we make significant progress toward the development of our Port Arthur LNG project and remain committed to lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the LNG value chain through the use of new technologies and the improvement of key processes."

Andree Stracke, CEO of RWE Supply & Trading said, "As RWE, we are very pleased to join forces with Sempra Infrastructure. Our partnership can contribute largely to securing significant LNG volumes for the RWE portfolio on a long-term basis while building the basis for supplying low carbon gas in the future."

The HOA contemplates the negotiation and finalization of a definitive 15-year LNG sale and purchase agreement for 2.25 Mtpa to be delivered from the Port Arthur LNG project. Additionally, Sempra Infrastructure and RWE have agreed to work toward a broad framework for the reduction, mitigation, and reporting of GHG emissions associated with deliveries of LNG from the Port Arthur LNG project, including addressing the use of responsibly sourced natural gas as part of the project's feed gas supply and renewable energy as part of the project power mix.

Phase 1 of the Port Arthur LNG project is fully permitted and is expected to include two liquefaction trains and LNG storage tanks, as well as associated facilities capable of producing, under optimal conditions, up to approximately 13.5 Mtpa of LNG.

The referenced HOAs are preliminary, non-binding arrangements, and the development of the Port Arthur LNG project remains subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, among others, reaching definitive agreements, maintaining all necessary permits, finalizing engineering and construction arrangements, obtaining financing and incentives, and reaching a final investment decision.

Advancing Lower Carbon LNG with Global Partners

Sempra Infrastructure is one of the top renewable energy producers in Mexico and is currently exceeding its goal of operating its existing LNG infrastructure at a GHG emissions intensity that is 20% below its 2020 baseline, having achieved a 28% reduction in 2021. In addition to continuing to reduce emissions through operational excellence, Sempra Infrastructure is actively developing lower emissions technologies for existing and future infrastructure assets.

Sempra Infrastructure has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Entergy Louisiana, a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation (NYSE: ETR), to develop options to accelerate the deployment of cost-effective renewable energy to power its infrastructure located in vicinity of the Gulf Coast. Additionally, Sempra Infrastructure is developing Hackberry Carbon Sequestration, a proposed carbon sequestration facility located in Southwest Louisiana expected to have the potential to sequester up to 2 Mtpa of carbon dioxide from LNG and other industrial facilities in the region and is developing opportunities to co-locate low-carbon hydrogen production at or near existing Sempra Infrastructure facilities.

In addition to lowering emissions at its own facilities, Sempra Infrastructure is working with other companies to reduce GHG emissions across the U.S. natural gas value chain, consistent with Sempra's aim to have net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. Sempra is a founding member of Veritas, a GTI Energy Differentiated Gas Measurement and Verification Initiative, supporting Sempra Infrastructure and other customers' desires for responsibly sourced natural gas that is produced and transported using proven technologies that minimize GHG emissions. Sempra Infrastructure is also a sponsor of The Collaboratory to Advance Methane Science, a research collaboration to advance technological solutions to enable methane emission reductions.

Finland’s first floating LNG terminal to be placed in Fortum’s Inkoo port

Gasgrid Finland and Fortum have signed a Letter of Intent on placing Finland’s first floating LNG terminal vessel Exemplar at Fortum’s Inkoo port. Located on the Southern Coast of Finland, Inkoo provides an optimal deep-water port at close proximity to the pipelines distributing the gas mainly to industrial end-users in the Baltic region. This development enables independence from Russian pipeline gas.

Gasgrid Finland is leasing the floating LNG terminal vessel from Excelerate Energy Inc. for a duration of ten years and aims to have the terminal available already next winter. The vessel’s capacity is sufficient for the gas needs of both Finland and Estonia. Russian gas supplies through the Imatra entry point have been stopped in May.

“I would like to thank Fortum, Gasgrid and their partners for taking quick action. It is important for our economy that the floating LNG terminal ensures the gas supply of our industry. The next step is to stay on schedule and get the port ready,” says Mika Lintilä, Minister for Economic Affairs of Finland.

”The vessel project is absolutely essential for the security of supply of natural gas in the Baltic region – and therefore extremely urgent. I’m pleased that the decision on the location of the terminal was made in such fast schedule. As the need for the terminal covers the entire Baltic Sea region, Inkoo provides an excellent location for the vessel,” says Olli Sipilä, CEO of Gasgrid Finland.

”At Fortum, we are very pleased to support energy security, industry as well as our national economy during these challenging times. Our Inkoo port is located on the site of our decommissioned coal power plant and provides nearly ready-to-use infrastructure and an optimal location for the country’s first floating LNG terminal. In the future, our plan is to further develop industrial activity on the site, so that it can contribute to the decarbonisation of society,” says Fortum’s CEO Markus Rauramo.

Fortum’s Inkoo port is accessible by a suitable sea lane, has a ready-to-use pier, is in close proximity of the Balticconnector pipeline between Finland and Estonia – and is available at short notice. Furthermore, Inkoo has undergone the necessary environmental impact assessments already in 2014 – 2015.

In addition to Inkoo, Gasgrid Finland and the Estonian electricity and gas transmission system operator Elering continue to develop a potential site in Estonia, as originally planned. The aim of this is to mitigate potential project risks and increase the probability that one of the sites is ready as early as possible for the next winter.

The floating LNG terminal vessel Exemplar The floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) Exemplar is 291 meters long and 43 meters wide. It has a volume of approximately 151,000 cubic meters, corresponding to approximately 68,000 tonnes of LNG, liquefied natural gas, when fully loaded. This means approximately 1,050 GWh of energy content.
FSRU Exemplar’s evaporation capacity is 140 GWh/day and even more than 40 TWh per year.
FSRU Exemplar’s evaporation capacity exceeds Finland’s annual natural gas demand, which has historically been approximately 25 TWh per year.
The significant capacity FSRU Exemplar serves the gas market in the entire Baltic Sea region via the Balticconnector interconnector pipeline.


Fortum deep-water port and industrial area in Inkoo The Port of Inkoo is located at Fortum Joddböle industrial area about 60 kilometers west of Helsinki.
Fortum owns the port that is operated by Inkoo Shipping Oy. The port handles dry bulk materials such as solid fuel used in power plants.
It is a deep-water port, which means it can accommodate the floating LNG terminal vessel “Exemplar”.
The port is well situated about 1.5 km from the Balticconnector natural gas pipeline that unites the Finnish and Baltic countries’ gas markets. Fortum operated the largest coal-fired plant in the Nordic countries at the Joddböle site until its permanent closure in 2016. The plant was dismantled in 2020 and over 90% of the materials were recycled.
The site’s location next to the deep-water port and high-voltage transmission network, makes it an ideal location for power-intensive, clean industries. Fortum is exploring various options for future uses of the site.