Electrical infrastructure expansion to support Freeport LNG

CenterPoint Energy’s CNP electric utility will build new and expand existing electric transmission infrastructure to provide the power needed to serve the Freeport LNG facility.

The facility, currently under construction by Freeport LNG Development on Quintana Island in Texas, needs an additional 656 MW to liquefy natural gas prior to export.

The transmission project, worth approximately US$80 million, includes a new 345/138 kV substation and multiple 138 kV transmission system upgrades.

Growth project

"The greater Houston area had the country's third-fastest job growth rate in 2014 and an economy that outpaced the rest of the nation. We are excited to provide service to a project that will not only continue to drive substantial economic growth in Texas but also across the United States and around the world," explained Kenny Mercado, Senior VP of CenterPoint Energy's Electric Operations.

In 2014, CenterPoint submitted a proposal to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to meet the increased needs of the project. Earlier in February, the ERCOT board of directors endorsed the proposed transmission project, which is due to be completed in mid-2017. Operations at the Freeport LNG facility are expected to commence in 2018.

The significant new load at Freeport LNG's project also highlights the need for CenterPoint Energy's planned Houston Import Project. ERCOT identified the proposed line as critical to provide an additional power supply into the Houston area by summer 2018.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquefaction/23022015/centerpoint-energy-to-power-freeport-lng-298/