THE WOODLANDS, Texas, March 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- On Friday, March 20, 2015 NextDecade, LLC submitted an official request to the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") to enter the Pre-Filing process for its Rio Grande Liquefied Natural Gas ("LNG") project and associated Rio Bravo Pipeline. Today NextDecade, LLC received notification from FERC of acceptance into the Pre-Filing process and was assigned docket number PF15-20-000.
"NextDecade is thrilled to initiate the FERC process for our Rio Grande LNG project," said Kathleen Eisbrenner, founder and CEO of NextDecade. "Not only is this an important milestone, but it also signals the beginning of a crucial process that will lead to the best possible project. NextDecade is actively working with the FERC, our partners and communities throughout the Rio Grande Valley to bring this exceptional project to fruition."
Rio Grande LNG, a wholly owned subsidiary of NextDecade, is a multi-billion dollar land-based LNG export project located on a 1,000-acre site along the Brownsville Shipping Channel in Brownsville, Texas. NextDecade's proposal includes plans for up to 6 liquefaction trains utilizing proven, reliable, safe, and efficient technology, with a nominal output capacity of 4.5 million tons of LNG per train a year. The facility will be constructed in phases timed to meet market demand. In addition, the proposed 129-mile Rio Bravo Pipeline will supply the facility with its feed-gas, connecting the facility to the highly liquid Agua Dulce natural gas market hub.
Shaun Davison, NextDecade's Project Director for North America added that, "the complexity of an LNG export facility requires developers to fully appreciate the big picture. We knew going in that every aspect of the project had to be addressed and built into our design; from creating the upstream pipeline infrastructure as a gas supply platform for our terminal, to securing long-term off-take contracts. NextDecade is uniquely positioned to deliver on all fronts, start to finish."
The Pre-File request comes after NextDecade's recent completion of its Basis of Design ("BOD") with world-class engineering, procurement and construction firm, CB&I. The project is estimated to generate around 5,000 jobs during construction, approximately 200-250 permanent jobs during operations as well as many more indirect jobs. The first phase of the Rio Grande LNG project represents a direct investment of approximately US$8 billion. The Final Investment Decision ("FID") will come after the FERC and related permitting agencies have given full authorization to construct, expected in 2017.
"Since first visiting the Port of Brownsville in 2013, we have been working tirelessly to make this project a reality. Brownsville is a wonderful location for our facility," added Ms. Eisbrenner. "With its position on the Gulf of Mexico, access to abundant gas supplies, and existing infrastructure, the Rio Grande Valley presents a fantastic opportunity for our project."
The FERC process triggers a number of activities, including robust public input and comment periods, as well as a meticulous assessment of all aspects of the project and its potential impact. NextDecade is working diligently with its partners to minimize any environmental impact, while maximizing the economic benefits for the Rio Grande Valley.
For the past several months, NextDecade has been pursuing an extensive public outreach campaign. As part of these activities, NextDecade has been meeting with a number of educational institutions to help create the programs, in cooperation with CB&I, that will provide South Texans with the skills needed to participate in the construction and operation of the facility.
Dr. Stella Garcia, Interim-President at Texas State Technical College ("TSTC"), Harlingen, wrote in a recent public letter of support for the project that, "this development means we get to keep hard-working, talented locals in the community, rather than having them find work elsewhere. By beginning this dialogue, we have the opportunity to start working together now, during the rigorous and lengthy regulatory process, to help our college begin to develop new programs that will address the workforce training needs of a company such as [NextDecade's]."
Firmly committed to being a good corporate citizen and lasting friend of the community, NextDecade plans to continue working closely with TSTC and other entities throughout the Rio Grande Valley as the FERC process continues.
About NextDecade LLC
NextDecade, based in The Woodlands, Texas, is a development and management company of land-based and floating LNG projects creating innovative opportunities globally in the integrated natural gas industry around the world. By bringing together people, companies and opportunities, NextDecade assembles the best mix of assets to deliver successful projects. NextDecade's current focus includes its Pelican Island LNG project in Galveston, Texas, in addition to the Rio Grande LNG project in Brownsville, Texas. Founded in 2010, NextDecade represents a team of industry leaders with extensive experience in the full LNG value chain, including successfully closing major LNG off-take deals, LNG/FLNG technology, and project management. The experienced team has developed, led, closed and operated industry-leading LNG, Gas and Electricity projects globally. For more information, please visit www.next-decade.com
Statements made herein by NextDecade, LLC ("ND") or any of its officers, directors, members, shareholders, employees, advisors, representatives, contractors or agents ("ND Representatives") may include statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on such ND's or ND Representatives' present views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to materially differ from those expressed or implied in such statements. ND and ND Representatives assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or to update any information contained herein.
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SOURCE NextDecade, LLC
