The US Department of Energy has authorized Golden Pass Products to transport domestically produced liquefied natural gas (LNG) to countries that have not signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with the US.
The energy regulator has signed an order to allow Golden Pass to ship LNG up to the equivalent of 2.21 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of natural gas to any non-FTA country from its terminal near Sabine Pass, Jefferson County, Texas.
After an extensive review of the Golden Pass application, the Department has determined that exports from the facility was not inconsistent with the public interest.
Golden Pass Products, which is a joint venture between the affiliates of Qatar Petroleum International and ExxonMobil, is planning to add export capabilities to its existing terminal in Sabine Pass to import and export natural gas.
Golden Pass is expecting the construction on the facility will create 45,000 direct and indirect jobs over five years, while 3,800 direct and indirect permanent jobs during the operation in the next 25 years.
It also expects that the construction and 25 years of operation will offer up to $2.4bn in federal tax revenues and $1.2bn in state tax revenues.
The Department of Energy has authorized up to 19.2 Bcf/d of natural gas shipments to non-FTA countries from planned facilities in Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, and Maryland.
The US Secretary of Energy Rick Perry said:”This announcement is another example of President Trump’s leadership in making the United States an energy dominant force.
“This is not only good for our economy and American jobs but also assists other countries with their energy security.”
Image: Aerial view of the Golden Pass terminal. Photo: courtesy of Golden Pass Products.