The Gulfstream LNG Project will be constructed and located on an approximately 400 acre leased site with approximately 2 miles (3 km) of frontage on the west bank Mississippi River, south of town of Belle Chasse, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. The Gulfstream LNG Project site is undeveloped and there is minimal habitation or other activity in the immediate vicinity of the Project site. The water depth at the site is over 50 ft (15 meters) and the river is over 1 km wide. No navigation or depth limitation issues are anticipated at the site.
The Project facilities will include: two feed gas processing trains, three LNG trains each with an average base LNG production capacity of approximately 1.4 MTPA, one LNG storage tank and tank protection system, two marine loading berths (one capable of receiving smaller barges and vessels, and one capable of receiving large (>180k m3) ocean-going LNG ships), and an on-site power generation plant.
Technical partners for the project include Baker Hughes (for liquefaction trains), Honeywell/UOP (for gas treatment), GTT (for LNG tank technology) and Kiewit (for EPC).
A 26” natural gas pipeline traverses through the Project site. Gulfstream LNG has executed a term sheet with the pipeline owner transport natural gas to the Project site. The pipeline connects and crosses a number of gas pipelines from multiple gas producing basins.
Gulfstream LNG filed its application with the Department of Energy/Office of Fossil Energy to export LNG to both Free Trade Agreement and Non-Free Trade Agreement nations on March 10, 2023. On June 6, 2023 (amended in September 2024), DOE/FECM Order No. 5014-A authorized Gulfstream LNG to export domestically produced LNG by vessel to Free Trade Agreement nations. The authorized volume of 237.5 Bcf/yr (650 MMcf/d) of natural gas will commence on the date of first export following the start of commercial operation of the Project and to extend through December 31, 2050.
On May 16 2024, Gulfstream LNG received its Approval to use the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) pre-Filing process, kicking off the FERC permitting process. The FERC, which has assigned Gulfstream LNG docket number PF24-5, regulates the siting, construction, operation, and maintenance of LNG terminals and related infrastructure. As per analysis of LNG facility maps on the FERC website, Gulfstream LNG stands out as the first greenfield (non-expansion) LNG project in the U.S. onshore permitting process since 2019. This achievement is remarkable, considering the global LNG market’s exponential growth and geopolitical significance. Further, it confirms Gulfstream LNG’s view that it has ‘secured one of the last remaining permittable LNG export project sites on the US Gulf Coast.
The current business model, subject to modification, envisages that Gulfstream LNG will be both (1) a toll processor of natural gas into LNG and associated extracted natural gas liquids, without taking ownership of the feed gas or the produced LNG and, (2) a seller of LNG and associated extracted natural gas liquids at the facility gates / marine port, taking ownership of the feed gas prior to processing. Gulfstream LNG may also offer different pricing mechanisms, including on a delivered basis, if requested to do so by its customers.
Gulfstream LNG will consider limited sales of LNG to domestic customers. These deliveries may be made using LNG tanker trucks as well as smaller barges and ships via the smaller of the two berths. LNG from the facility could be used by the road transport, ship bunkering, and space exploration sectors, among others. The ratio of export sales volumes to domestic sales volumes will be determined by market conditions over the project development period.
Gulfstream LNG will also evaluate the collection of carbon dioxide extracted from feed gas in its gas processing facility and from the on-site power generation facility emissions. Discussions have been initiated with carbon storage and utilization companies who may be able to import the carbon dioxide for permanent storage or conversion.
FAQs about Gulfstream LNG:
1. What is the Gulfstream LNG project ?
Gulfstream LNG is a mid-scale LNG export project under development in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. ’The project’s vision is ‘Benefiting Local Communities; Enabling Global Energy Transition.’ The project will advance the global energy transition by providing sustainable Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) solutions to local, regional and global customers. The initiative aims to support a low-carbon future through innovative technology and responsible practices.
2. How does Gulfstream LNG’s project contribute to a low-carbon future?
The project contributes by delivering the lowest carbon fossil fuel – LNG to displace dirtier fuels such as oil and coal. LNG emits a fraction of carbon emissions of coal, and less than 1/2 that of oil. The world needs energy that is available, affordable and as cleaner than many of the alternatives. LNG meets this criteria. Until we have competitive alternatives that are as ready available in all weather and times, and produce energy on-demand, LNG production and usage should be encouraged globally.
3. What technologies are being used in the project?
The project will leverage the advanced technologies in LNG processing, transportation, and storage to enhance efficiency and minimize environmental impact. These technologies are designed to ensure that the LNG provided is as clean and sustainable as possible.
4. Who is leading Gulfstream LNG’s project?
The project is led by Vivek Chandra, CEO and Founder of Gulfstream LNG. Under his leadership, the project is driven by a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and effective energy transition strategies. Dr Chandra has extensive natural gas and LNG experienced and has developed projects in Texas, Alaska, Middle East, Asian and Australia.
5. When is the project expected to be completed?
The timeline for project completion can vary based on several factors, including regulatory approvals, construction progress, and technological developments. The entire development and construction process may take six or more years.