On January 10th, Gulf Coast LNG Export LLC filed an application with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) seeking permission to export 2.8Bcf/d of liquefied natural gas (LNG) or 1022Bcf/y, over a 25-year period from a facility it plans to construct at Brownsville, Texas.

The terminal would consist of four trains capable of liquefying up to 2.8Bcf/d of gas, a marine berth, full containment LNG storage tanks, a pipeline connecting to gas transportation lines, and associated utilities. Construction is expected to begin in 2014; the liquefaction facilities will be phased into operation between 2018 and 2020.

Large volumes of gas for the terminal are likely to be sourced from the spot market in Texas, which will have "ready access to incremental gas supplies from a wide variety of sources."

The company is seeking to export LNG to any country with the capacity to import LNG and with which trade not prohibited by U.S. law or policy. Gulf Coast plans to initiate the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission review for authorization to site, build and operate the terminal once DOE/FE approves the application. The 25-year agreement would begin starting on the date of the first export or eight years from the date that authorization is issued.