According to the latest Reuters report, ConocoPhillips and its partners are considering expanding their Darwin LNG plant in Australia, with backing from other companies with undeveloped gas resources that could feed the plant.
ConocoPhillips has previously only considered developing a new gas field for approximately US$10 billion to fill the plant's single production unit when supply from its current gas source, the Bayu-Undan field, runs out around 2022.
ConocoPhillips has also previously said an expansion in the current market would be challenging due to low oil and LNG prices, and costs that have risen steeply since Darwin LNG was built more than a decade ago.
A US$650 000 feasibility study on building a second train is due to be completed this year.
Five joint ventures with undeveloped gas resources off the coast of the Northern Territory are backing the study, with stakeholders including Royal Dutch Shell, Malaysia's Petronas, Italy's ENI SpA, and Australia's Santos and Origin Energy.