Cheniere Energy Inc.’s Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC and Sabine Pass LNG LP have asked FERC for authorization to add facilities to their liquefaction and export project, now under construction in Cameron Parish, LA, and to expedite construction of the project’s second stage (the third and fourth liquefaction trains).

“The modification project will enhance the operation, reliability and constructability of the liquefaction project, which the Commission previously has found to meet the public interest standard…” the Cheniere units said [CP11-72-000]. “[T]he modification project is proposed, in part, as a result of the overwhelmingly positive market response to the liquefaction project.”

The companies asked for approval of the changes by February to make up for project delays and to meet milestones related to liquefied natural gas (LNG) sales and purchase agreements, as well as the project’s engineering, procurement and construction contract with Bechtel Oil, Gas and Chemicals Inc. (see Daily GPI, Nov. 15, 2011).

“…Sabine Pass is pursuing a more aggressive schedule for the construction of both Stage 1 (Trains 1 and 2) and Stage 2 (Trains 3 and 4),” they said. “Among other things, this has necessitated the identification of additional workspace in proximity to the Stage 2 footprint. Generally, workspace that was within the footprint of Stage 2 now must be shifted to accommodate the installation of Stage 2 facilities.”

Project modifications include the addition of a unit to remove heavier hydrocarbons; condensate storage, metering and sendout facilities; and four feed-gas pipeline meter stations to interconnect with the project. Additional water supply lines and natural gas liquids truck loading facilities also are included.

In April a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission order authorized Sabine Pass to site, own and operate the project to liquefy and export up to 2.2 Bcf/d of domestically produced gas (see Daily GPI, April 17). The project includes four LNG process trains, feed-gas metering, flares, refrigerant storage, boil-off gas and water handling systems, new buildings, and new utility and power generation facilities. Pile driving activities are slated to begin during the fourth quarter.

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