Annova LNG earns FERC approval

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS— Annova LNG received its FERC authorization from the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to construct and operate its mid-sized liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility located in Brownsville, TX.

“This approval from FERC represents a years-long effort to demonstrate Annova LNG’s commitment to safe, reliable and sustainable operations to more than 10 federal and two state regulatory agencies,” said Omar Khayum, CEO, Annova LNG. “FERC provided a thorough review, in conjunction with the cooperating agencies, and examined and approved our utility-grade approach.” 

“Receipt of the FERC authorization is well timed to maintain the steady progress we are making toward completing the most sustainable and lowest-carbon LNG export facility in the U.S.,” said Khayum.

The cooperating agencies included theU.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Park Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration–National Marine Fisheries Service, and Federal Aviation Administration.  Annova LNG also consulted with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Historical Commission throughout the review process. 

“We demonstrated the Annova LNG project will deliver LNG reliably and within state and federal rules and regulations,” said Khayum.

Working with key stakeholders at U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Annova LNG has expanded its lease and shifted the project layout to establish a 185-acre environmental conservation corridor and avoid impacting over 100 acres of wetlands. Annova LNG has contributed funding to the perpetual conservation of over 1,000 acres of land, including approximately 390 acres of dense thornscrub in the South Texas Coastal Corridor area in Cameron County that are inhabited by ocelots and has committed to an additional 250 acres of thornscrub habitat preservation.

The project also plans to source its electricity through 100 percent carbon-free renewable energy resources.

In October 2018, Annova LNG announced that Black & Veatch and Kiewit invested in the project and were awarded the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract on a joint basis.

"FERC's approval of the Annova facility is a significant milestone that further positions North America to provide its large LNG surplus to world markets that seek a cleaner and more efficient power generation source," said Hoe Wai Cheong, President of Black & Veatch's oil and gas business. "Investing in and preparing the Annova LNG facility underscores Black & Veatch's commitment to meeting that global demand."

“Securing FERC approval is a critical milestone for the Annova LNG project and reflects a steadfast commitment to safety, quality and sustainability,” said Don Lemoine, vice president, Kiewit Energy Group, Inc. “We are ready to move forward with the engineering and construction phase of the project, and ultimately delivering a LNG facility that will have a positive, lasting impact on the local economy and community.”

Annova LNG would support an average of approximately 700 on-site jobs over a four-year period. Upon completion of the facility, Annova LNG would employ approximately 165 permanent full-time workers to run and manage the plant.

“I also want to recognize the Annova LNG staff of engineers, environmental scientists and project managers who worked diligently, bringing their utility-grade approach, to ensure all of the questions FERC and the cooperating agencies asked were answered in a thorough manner,” said Khayum.

For more information, visit Annova LNG’s website: www.AnnovaLNG.com

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