Annova LNG files review request with US FERC for natural gas facility in Texas

Annova LNG is seeking approval from the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to start a review of the potential development of a natural gas liquefaction and transfer facility at the Port of Brownsville, Texas.

The company has submitted a request with the FERC. Exelon Generation owns a majority stake in the Annova LNG project.

A decision to construct the facility is anticipated to be taken by the end of 2017. The facility is expected to start operations by 2020.

The filing starts the estimated two-year permitting process. If constructed, the LNG terminal would sit beside the Brownsville Ship Channel on 650 acres designated by the Port of Brownsville for industrial use.

The proposed site is expected to have three stages of development, each capable of producing two million tons of LNG per year for about six million tons annually after completion.

Annova needs to secure 26 federal, state and local permits and licenses, including approvals from the FERC, US Department of Energy, US Army Corps of Engineers, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as several construction-related permits.

Annova president David Chung, who also serves as vice president of LNG for Exelon Generation, said: "Brownsville is an ideal location for this potential facility.

"If we move forward, the project will be built with private funds, not taxpayer dollars and will provide a significant economic boost to the region."