Proposed US deepwater port terminal seeks LNG export permit to 2050

ST LNG has applied to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management for a long-term export authorization that would allow it to ship U.S. produced liquefied natural gas (LNG) overseas through December 31, 2050. The company is seeking approval to export the equivalent of about 460 billion cubic feet of natural gas per year — roughly 8.4 million tonnes of LNG annually — to both countries with which the United States has free trade agreements and to other eligible countries. The exports would come from ST LNGs proposed deepwater port terminal — the ST LNG Deepwater Port (DWP) development project — planned roughly 10.4 nautical miles off the southeast coast of Matagorda, Texas, in federal waters. The terminal is being designed to consist of multiple offshore platforms and will be built in phases, eventually reaching the full 8.4 mtpa export capacity. ST LNG says the project would bring significant regional economic benefits, including around 1,900 temporary construction jobs and about 156 permanent jobs once the terminal is in operation. The company also argues that expanding U.S. LNG export capacity will help deliver competitively priced American gas to global markets and contribute to environmental goals by providing a cleaner burning fuel alternative. Before the facility can be built and begin exporting LNG, it must receive the export permit and complete the required regulatory reviews, including federal licensing and environmental assessments.