Dominion Cove Point Approved for Natural Gas Exports to Non-FTA Countries
The Dominion Cove Point facility received approval Sept. 11 from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) to non-Free Trade Agreement (FTA) countries. By January, DOE had only granted Dominion permission to act as an agent for LNG exports (See 13010730) and to export to countries with FTAs. The facilities were formerly expected to cost between $2.5 billion and $3.5 billion, but are now projected to cost between $3.4 billion and $3.8 billion, Dominion said. Pending receipt of regulatory approval and permits, Dominion said construction is scheduled to begin in 2014, with an in-service date of 2017. The construction will primarily involve adding liquefaction capability to Dominion’s existing infrastructure on the Chesapeake Bay in Lusby, Md.
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“We agree with the DOE’s decision that exports are expected to bring economic benefits to the country,” said Dominion President Thomas Farrell. “It is good news on many fronts, including the thousands of jobs that will be created, the boost in government revenues that will result, and the support it provides to allied nations. Dominion Cove Point is an ideal location for a cost-effective and environmentally compatible export facility.”