The Woodlands, Texas-based NextDecade on Thursday informed it has filed an application with the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for authorization to site, construct and operate Rio Grande LNG export facility near Brownsville.
Additionally, NextDecade filed an application for the Rio Bravo pipeline, a 137-mile pipeline system that would provide the proposed 27 mtpa LNG facility with feed gas, according to the company’s statement.
The project is on course to sign offtake agreements and declare its final investment decision in 2017.
Kathleen Eisbrenner, NextDecade Chief Executive Officer , said, “Despite recent low oil and gas prices, we have found robust appetite for U.S. LNG on a long-term basis all around the world.”
In November last year, NextDecade had signed non-binding agreements for 14 mtpa of LNG with European and Asian customers, however, since then, the number rose to 26 mtpa.
The company expects FERC to authorize construction by the end of first quarter 2017 with first exports expected to begin by the end of 2020.
[mappress mapid=”18019″]