Commonwealth has not yet taken a final investment decision on its project.
However, the US LNG developer plans to decide on the facility by the end of this year and has recently received approval from FERC to begin initial site preparation activities.
According to a FERC filing dated October 2, Commonwealth is now seeking an extension of time to complete construction of the project and make it available for service until December 31, 2031.
Under the current FERC order, Commonwealth must place the project into service no later than November 17, 2027.
“Despite Commonwealth’s diligent efforts, development of the project has been delayed due to extenuating circumstances outside of Commonwealth’s control, most notably the appeal and remand of Commonwealth’s authorization order, and Commonwealth’s unprecedented, historic delay in receiving its non-FTA export authorization from the Department of Energy (DOE),” Commonwealth said.
Commonwealth noted that, despite these delays, the firm has continued to “steadily” develop the project, both in terms of obtaining and maintaining essential project permits and advancing the project commercially and financially.
The company has entered into long-term sale and purchase agreements with Petronas for 1 mtpa of LNG, Glencore for 2 mtpa of LNG, Jera for 1 mtpa of LNG, and EQT for 1 mtpa of LNG.
Additionally, Commonwealth has recently authorized an order for six Baker Hughes refrigerant turbo compressors required for the liquefaction process of its LNG export project.
The order will be placed by Technip Energies, which Commonwealth announced will lead the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) execution of its LNG facility.
Commonwealth told FERC that “good cause exists to grant Commonwealth’s requested extension of time, as litigation regarding its FERC authorization and inaction by DOE have prevented Commonwealth from developing its project and completing construction within the allotted timeframe.”
