IEEFA Comments: Environmental assessment for proposed Louisiana LNG project
Key Takeaways:
IEEFA comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission about omissions in an analysis of a proposed Louisiana LNG project raise questions about its potential
The Venture Global Plaquemines LNG Uprate Amendment Project, which would increase production at the liquefaction facility by 3.2 million tons per annum, may occur at a time when the LNG market begins slowing
IEEFA found that FERC’s analysis of the Louisiana LNG project failed to evaluate the risk of increased methane emissions; the effects of improved methane controls on LNG supply; and the potential pollution effects of transporting the LNG across oceans
IEEFA comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission about omissions in an analysis of a proposed Louisiana LNG project raise questions about its potential
February 6, 2023 (IEEFA)—The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) submitted comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), raising issues that argue against the proposed Venture Global Plaquemines LNG Uprate Amendment Project (Plaquemines LNG).
The comments, posted on the IEEFA website [LINK], ask commissioners to address incorrect and omitted information for a more thorough evaluation of economic assumptions behind the project and its environmental effects. Key issues include:
- The LNG export market may be significantly weaker than the applicants hope;
- The Environmental Assessment (EA) fails to evaluate the full risk of increased methane emissions from increased export;
- If potential export markets use improved methane controls on their existing sources of gas, demand for gas exported from the U.S. could be reduced; and
- Assumptions regarding potential pollution impacts of marine transport are oversimplified and require more analysis
“The lack of discussion in the EA regarding shifting conditions in LNG demand, full evaluation of methane emissions, and the emissions impact of different propulsion systems for LNG transport highlights an incomplete analysis that could make a meaningful difference in emissions calculations and environmental impact,” said Trey Cowan, IEEFA analyst and author of the comments. “The global trajectory towards practices that can lower future methane emissions yields a conservation effect through which more natural gas is available because less has been wasted. We see a scenario on the horizon where natural gas prices and the need for LNG export terminals could decrease.”
Full Comments: IEEFA comments to FERC regarding the Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Venture Global Plaquemines LNG Uprate Amendment Project
Author Contact:
Trey Cowan ([email protected]) is an IEEFA energy finance analyst
Media Contact
Susan Torres ([email protected]), +1 908-565-3451
About IEEFA
The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) examines issues related to energy markets, trends and policies. IEEFA’s mission is to accelerate the transition to a diverse, sustainable and profitable energy economy.
