Sempra wins DOE LNG export authorization for Port Arthur LNG Phase 2
The US Department of Energy (DOE) gave Sempra Infrastructure final authorization to export LNG to non-free trade agreement countries from its proposed 13.4-million tonne/year (tpy) Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 expansion project in Jefferson County, Tex., on May 29.
The expansion would double the company’s Port Arthur LNG capacity to about 26 million tpy.
Earlier this month, Sempra reiterated its end-2025 final investment decision (FID) target, but said that while commercial interest is strong, macroeconomic issues could impact timing (OGJ Online, May 12, 2025).
In its May 29 statement, Sempra said development of the Phase 2 project remains subject to risks and uncertainties, including completing required commercial agreements, securing and/or maintaining permits, obtaining financing, and reaching FID, among other factors.
The expansion won Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approval in September 2023.
In June 2024, Sempra and a subsidiary of Aramco signed a non-binding agreement contemplating the purchase of 5 million tpy of LNG and a 25% equity investment in the expansion.
In July, Sempra selected Bechtel for engineering, procurement, and construction (OGJ Online, Jul 18, 2024).
Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 is currently under construction and consists of Trains 1 and 2—with expected commercial operation dates of 2027 and 2028, respectively—as well as two LNG storage tanks and associated infrastructure.
Cathy Landry | Washington Correspondent
Cathy Landry has worked over 20 years as a journalist, including 17 years as an energy reporter with Platts News Service (now S&P Global) in Washington and London.
She has served as a wire-service reporter, general news and sports reporter for local newspapers and a feature writer for association and company publications.
Cathy has deep public policy experience, having worked 15 years in Washington energy circles.
She earned a master’s degree in government from The Johns Hopkins University and studied newspaper journalism and psychology at Syracuse University.
