US-based LNG developer Venture Global has achieved first production at its planned 27.2mn t/yr Plaquemines LNG terminal, the firm announced on 14 December.
The terminal is still undergoing commissioning, but it will start producing and exporting LNG, the firm said. Venture Global is targeting full commercial operations at the terminal in mid-2027, according to a filing with the US Department of Energy (DOE) in October.
The terminal's first phase, with a 13.3mn t/yr base-load capacity, is set to start commercial operations in mid-2026, and the second phase, with a base-load capacity of 6.7mn t/yr, in mid-2027. The 36 trains will have a peak capacity of 27.2mn t/yr.
Venture Global had planned a 24-month commissioning phase for Plaquemines. But the early operation is possible because of the project's unique configuration and construction approach, which enables production even as construction and commissioning works for the remainder of the project's 36 trains continue, the firm added.
The ability to produce and export LNG during the commissioning phase enables the company to accelerate the supply of additional LNG to the global market, outpacing other suppliers, the firm said. This incremental supply has proven to be a critical asset given historically tight global LNG markets and project delays, it added.
Venture Global also sold commissioning cargoes to the spot market until commercial operations are reached at its 12.4mn t/yr Calcasieu Pass terminal. The Calcasieu Pass export terminal is expected to achieve full commissioning by the end of the year.
US energy regulator Ferc in late November approved the first phase of the Gator Express pipeline to enter service, after the second phase was approved for service in April. The pipeline will supply feedgas to Louisiana's planned 27.2mn t/yr Plaquemines LNG export terminal. The Plaquemines LNG export facility is Louisiana's fourth liquefaction terminal.
