Golden Pass plans to expand its existing LNG import terminal in Sabine Pass, Texas, US, by adding export capabilities, liquefaction facilities, pipeline systems and upgrades to the existing terminal.
The proposed Golden Pass Products (GPP) expansion project is being developed in partnership with the affiliates of Qatar Petroleum International and ExxonMobil. It will be built adjacent to the existing Golden Pass terminal and utilise the existing tanks, berths and pipeline infrastructure.
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The project is expected to enable Golden Pass to meet the growing domestic demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and support LNG exports.
The GPP project was granted authorisation by US Department of Energy (DOE) to export LNG to the nations with Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with the US, in October 2012.
The company filed a formal application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to construct and operate the project, in July 2014.
Construction on the proposed project is expected to begin in 2016, following the receipt of the FERC authorisation and required regulatory approvals.
Location and details of the Golden Pass Products Project
The project will be integrated into the existing Golden Pass LNG import terminal located in the Sabine Pass on the Sabine Niches Water way in south-east Texas.
The proposed project will require approximately $10bn investment in infrastructure on the Gulf Coast with an expected send out capacity of 15.6Mt of liquefied natural gas a year, when fully operational.
The new facilities will include three liquefaction process trains, each with a throughput of 5.2 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTA). The project will also involve installation of treatment, power and utility systems interconnected with the existing import facilities and control systems.
The current terminal facilities comprise five 155,000m³ LNG storage tanks, two marine berths and loading facilities for LNG carriers, and processing facilities with a LNG regasifying capacity of approximately two billion standard cubic feet of natural gas a day.
The existing terminal has a 69-mile (111km) long pipeline system to transport natural gas from the terminal to interstate pipelines and interstates through different interconnections to access markets in the eastern half of the US.
The proposed project will also include upgrades to the existing pipeline system, by installation of approximately three-miles (4.82km)long, 24in diameter pipeline to enhance the system hydraulics and facilitate bidirectional flow.
Additional compressor stations will also be installed to receive and redeliver up to 2.6 billion cubic feet a day of natural gas to the export facility.
The project will also involve modifications such as expansion of storm protection levee system and expansion of safety and security assets at the existing facility.
Contractors involved
Golden Pass Products LLC awarded the front-end engineering and design (FEED) services contract for the project to Chiyoda Corporation and CB&I in July 2014.
Benefits of Golden Pass Products Project
The project is expected to contribute to the economic growth of the local, state and federal governments by generating approximately $31bn in US economic gains and approximately $4.6bn in the form of taxes at local, state and national levels.
It is estimated to generate approximately 9,000 jobs during the construction phase and 3,800 direct and indirect permanent jobs across the region, in addition to 200 permanent jobs at the facility during operations. It is also expected to create 45,000 direct and indirect jobs throughout the US during construction.
Local businesses will also be given opportunity to deliver engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services through a third party contractor.
