The U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has directed Venture Global LNG, a prominent liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter, to refile emissions data for its planned Calcasieu Pass 2 plant construction permits. The regulator’s decision comes after identifying gaps in the company’s recently revised filing, which failed to account for the emissions generated by tankers and support vessels.
Venture Global LNG, based in Alexandria, Virginia, has been actively pursuing FERC’s approval for the construction of a 20 million metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) expansion, situated adjacent to its existing 10 MTPA Calcasieu Pass 1 export facility. However, FERC has made it clear that in order to proceed with the application review process, the company must provide a comprehensive emissions assessment, inclusive of the impact from tanker and support vessel operations.
In a letter to Venture Global LNG, FERC stated, “Your projected increased emission rates for CP1 as well as the ship and support vessel emissions need to be included in order for the Commission to continue processing your application.” The regulator has given the company a three-day deadline to respond to its request, highlighting the urgency of obtaining accurate and complete emissions data.
Venture Global LNG has established itself as the fourth-largest U.S. exporter of liquefied natural gas and has ambitious plans to expand its production capacity substantially. With its proposed new plants, the company aims to achieve a staggering output of more than 100 MTPA in the future, solidifying its position as a major player in the global LNG market.
The regulator’s request for updated emissions data stems from discrepancies discovered between the information provided by Venture Global LNG to FERC and the data submitted to state regulators for the CP1 project. FERC had initially asked the company to update its environmental impact assessment after becoming aware of these inconsistencies.
However, the recently updated assessment submitted by Venture Global LNG failed to incorporate the emissions generated by shipping activities, prompting FERC’s latest request for a comprehensive filing. The regulator’s emphasis on obtaining complete and accurate emissions data underscores the increasing scrutiny and rigorous standards being applied to energy projects in the U.S., particularly concerning their potential environmental impact.
As Venture Global LNG navigates the regulatory approval process for its ambitious expansion plans, the company will need to comply with FERC’s requirements and provide a thorough assessment of its emissions footprint, including the often-overlooked contributions from tanker and support vessel operations. The regulator’s stance highlights the growing importance of transparency and accountability in the energy sector, where projects must demonstrate a commitment to minimising their environmental impact and adhering to stringent regulatory standards.