Department of Energy approves additional exports from two LNG projects

(World Oil) — The U.S. Department of Energy issued two long-term orders authorizing an additional 0.5 Bcfd of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports from Golden Pass LNG in Texas and Magnolia LNG in Louisiana.

The orders allow Golden Pass LNG to export an additional 0.35 Bcf/d and Magnolia LNG to export an additional 0.15 Bcf/d of natural gas as LNG to any country not prohibited by U.S. law or policy. DOE had previously issued long-term non-free trade agreement export orders for most of the projects’ capacities, with Magnolia LNG’s authorization for 1.08 Bcf/d in 2016 and an authorization for 2.21 Bcf/d issued to Golden Pass LNG in 2017. 

American Petroleum Institute (API) Vice President of Natural Gas Markets Dustin Meyer said the group welcomes the department’s continued commitment to increasing U.S. LNG exports during this consequential moment in history.

“The additional permits granted today are an important step forward, and further progress could send a clear and powerful signal that America is serious about strengthening global energy security while supporting emissions reductions,” Meyer said. “We will continue working with the administration to ensure a timely and efficient permitting system to advance not only U.S. LNG projects, but also the pipeline infrastructure needed to sustain export growth.”

Golden Pass, jointly owned by Exxon-Mobil Corporation and Qatar Petroleum International Limited, is under construction in Sabine Pass, Texas, and anticipates starting up in 2024.  Magnolia LNG, owned by the Glenfarne Group LLC, is planned to be developed in Lake Charles, Louisiana. In 2020, it was reported the developer wanted until 2026 to complete the project.