Initial construction activities have started at the Plaquemines liquefied natural gas (LNG) export project in Louisiana, the development’s sponsor told federal regulators on Tuesday.

Venture Global Plaquemines LNG

In a Tuesday FERC filing, Venture Global LNG Inc. said work began at the terminal site on Aug. 18, but was halted on Aug. 27 as Hurricane Ida approached the Louisiana coast. The storm made landfall on Aug. 29, “bringing heavy rainfall to the terminal site”, Venture Global told the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

“Work will not resume until early September when terminal site conditions improve,” the Arlington, VA-based company added.

Before the storm, crews had worked to improve the existing driveway, install a silt fence perimeter and mow the site, according to the filing. In addition, environmental and safety training and project orientation took place on Aug. 17.

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Venture Global has yet to take a final investment decision (FID) on the 20 million ton per year (mmty) Plaquemines LNG. Sanctioning is expected soon. A schedule on the company’s website shows financial close is expected by the end of the year.

Just last week, Venture Global announced it had secured more offtake agreements from Polish Oil and Gas Co. (PGNiG). The supply would be sourced from Plaquemines LNG as well as Venture Global’s 10 mmty Calcasieu Pass LNG. Calcasieu Pass, under construction in Louisiana, is expected to produce first LNG later this year.
In addition to Calcasieu Pass and Plaquemines, Venture Global is developing two other facilities in Louisiana: the 24 mmty CP2 LNG and the 20 mmty Delta LNG.