LNG exporter looks to La. caverns

Sempra Energy, a major California-based utility company, is planning anew to convert existing salt caverns and build a new one for natural gas storage in Cameron Parish, La. In 2005, Sempra was considering retrofitting two caverns for natural gas storage under its Liberty Gas Storage project, but was put on hold. Sempra subsidiary LA Storage LLC is moving on the new plan near Hackberry, La., converting three existing salt caverns plus a new cavern. They would have a combined total storage capacity of 25.5B cubic feet of natural gas. Sempra also is a majority stakeholder in the nearby Cameron LNG export facility. In addition, pipelines are proposed to connect the storage cavern project to existing natural gas hubs. Cameron LNG exports up to 12M tons of LNG annually from the units at its export terminal. The new storage facility is tentatively scheduled to begin construction during 1Q 2022 after securing environmental permits. New Orleans-based environmental non-profit Healthy Gulf expects to oppose federal permits for the pipeline and caverns. The project is not in the public interest and would potentially destroy about 75 acres of wetland, according to Healthy Gulf. (Source: NOLA.com 02/21/21) LNG export company looks to salt caverns for natural gas storage in Cameron Parish | Business | theadvocate.com