Economic pros of unconstrained US LNG exports outweigh downside, DOE study finds
The domestic economic benefits of letting U.S. LNG export volumes flow unconstrained by anything but global demand would in the long term outweigh negatives including higher gas prices, a U.S. Department of Energy study found.
The study, prepared by NERA Economic Consulting for the DOE's Office of Fossil Energy, examined potential future export levels under various domestic and international gas market conditions and calculated that U.S. LNG exports would range between 8.7 Bcf/d and 30.7 Bcf/d in 2040. Looking at the macroeconomic implications of those exports in 2020-2040, NERA concluded that under all scenarios, "overall U.S. economic output is higher whenever global markets call for higher levels of LNG exports, assuming that exports are allowed to be determined by market demand."
With pipeline certificate review, FERC chairman looking to grease the skids
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's chairman made clear before a Senate panel June 12 that his intent in reviewing the commission's gas pipeline certificate policy is to streamline, rather than slow, the process. FERC has brought in private contractors to add to its workforce assessing projects and is seeking to hire more engineering staff, he said. It may also reallocate commission resources toward LNG project reviews and bring in further third-party assistance, and is looking for ways to streamline its internal processes, he said.
US Northeast gas capacity additions have tough time being filled with new output
Natural gas takeaway capacity additions in the U.S. Northeast targeting downstream consumers have yet to spur the level of new output the market was expecting, making it difficult to fill the infrastructure during certain periods, according to an S&P Global Platts analysis. The perspective, offered during the first day of the LDC Gas Forums Northeast conference in Boston on June 11, comes as industry leaders analyze Appalachian basin supply, demand and pricing fundamentals heading into the next decade.
Study: Global LNG trade rose 10% in 2017 as Asian countries led demand growth
Global LNG trade increased 10% in 2017 to 290 million tonnes, or 38.2 Bcf/d, as Asian countries led demand growth and the U.S. and Australia contributed the most additional supply, according to an annual report from the International Group of Liquefied Natural Gas Importers. Asia's LNG imports increased by 19.6 million tonnes, led by Japan and China, with China alone boosting its imports by 42%. U.S. LNG exporters in particular have had their eye on China, where demand has prevented a predicted global supply glut from lingering.
Cheniere subsidiary asks to introduce gas to 1st Corpus Christi LNG train
A Cheniere Energy Inc. subsidiary asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for permission to introduce gas to commission the Corpus Christi LNG export facility's first liquefaction train. Corpus Christi Liquefaction LLC on June 7 requested that FERC staff grant the authorization before June 29 so the Texas terminal, which is under construction, can begin commercial service in 2019. The petition came just weeks after FERC permitted Cheniere to start service on a 23-mile, 48-inch-diameter pipeline to transport gas between the LNG terminal and interstate and intrastate natural gas pipeline systems.