Tellurian’s wholly owned subsidiaries, Driftwood LNG and Driftwood Pipeline have completed the pre-filing phase and collectively submitted a formal application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to construct and operate an approximately 26m tonnes per annum (mtpa) liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility near Lake Charles, Louisiana and a 96-mile pipeline connecting the facility to interstate pipelines. Tellurian expects to begin construction of the Driftwood LNG project in 2018 and produce first LNG in 2022, with full operations beginning in 2025.
Tellurian president and CEO Meg Gentle said, “Throughout the pre-filing phase, the representatives at FERC, the Department of Energy and the US Coast Guard have been well-organised, thorough, and proficient in ensuring that Driftwood LNG is designed and permitted with a priority on safety, reliability, and efficiency. We look forward to continuing to work with FERC and other agencies on a timely approval process and beginning construction in 2018.”
The Driftwood LNG project will require approximately 6,400 workers during the construction phase, and will create nearly 400 new permanent jobs when fully operational. Tellurian expects that engineering, procurement, and construction costs will be approximately $13 – $16 bn for the Driftwood LNG export facility and expects to make a final investment decision to begin construction following regulatory approval in mid-2018. The facility will include three berths for LNG carriers of up to 210,000 cu m in size.
