Cameron Interstate Pipeline LLC, a subsidiary of San Diego-based Sempra Energy, has filed an application to loop a 21-mile segment of its pipeline system in Hackberry, LA with a 42-inch pipe, to accommodate natural gas exports.

The application comes about a week after Sempra Energy filed with the FERC for approval to construct liquefaction and export facilities at its existing Cameron liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Hackberry (see Daily GPI, Dec. 11). The company last week said it is counting on the Commission approving its liquefaction proposal by the end of 2013. So far, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has only approved the liquefaction project proposed by Cheniere Energy units Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC and Sabine Pass LNG LP to export up to 2.2 Bcf/d of LNG (see Daily GPI, April 17).

Sempra Energy further expects the Department of Energy (DOE) to approve its permit to export LNG to countries with which the United States does not have free trade agreements (FTA) by early next year. It already has DOE approval to export LNG to FTA countries. The DOE delayed action on non-FTA applications until the release of a report analyzing the economic impacts of LNG exports (see Daily GPI, Dec. 6).

As part of the expansion project, Cameron Interstate seeks to build 21 miles of 42-inch diameter pipeline that would parallel the existing Cameron Interstate Pipeline and extend from Florida Gas Transmission and Trunkline Gas. The expansion would increase the firm capacity of Cameron Pipeline’s facilities to 2.35 Bcf/d, according to the FERC filing.

The company called on FERC to issue a final order by October so the facilities can be completed in the second quarter of 2016.

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