Freeport LNG Expansion, L.P. (Freeport LNG) has received authorization from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to export domestically produced liquefied natural gas (LNG) to any country that has, or in the future develops, the capacity to import LNG and with which trade is permissible. This order supplements the DOE authorization received by Freeport LNG in February 2011 authorizing LNG exports to Free Trade Agreement (FTA) countries, and concludes a key regulatory milestone for the Freeport LNG natural gas liquefaction and LNG export project.

Under the DOE's order, Freeport LNG received authority to export on its own behalf, or as agent for others, up to the equivalent of 511BCF per year of domestically produced LNG. The authorization is for a term of 20 years, and commences the earlier of the date of first export or seven years from the date of authorization.

"Receipt of DOE non-FTA approval completes a key development milestone for the initial phase of the Freeport LNG liquefaction project," said Michael S. Smith , Chief Executive Officer of Freeport LNG. "We applaud the DOE on its thorough and balanced analysis of the public benefits of LNG exports to the United States. The overwhelming evidence in favor of LNG exports generated during the DOE's two-and-a-half year review, definitively confirms that the DOE should act swiftly to approve additional pending LNG export applications."

Tags: Freeport LNG Expansion