ExxonMobil Mulls Developing Oz LNG Import Facility

ExxonMobil is considering importing LNG to Australia’s east coast in a move which joins two existing plans for import facilities in the region.

The ExxonMobil plan is for the LNG import facility to be based in Victoria and could be online as soon as 2022, a spokesman for the company said June 18.

“ExxonMobil would be able to bring world-class project experience in all facets of LNG development, production and re-gasification,” the company said.

“Combined with the existing Gippsland resource and infrastructure, a LNG import facility could ensure ExxonMobil can continue to meet our customers’ needs,” it said.

The size and exact location are still being assessed, the spokesman said.

Australian energy retailer AGL and the Australia Industrial Energy (AIE) consortium are also planning LNG import projects on Australia’s east coast. Currently the country, which is tipped the be the world’s largest exporter of LNG next year, doesn’t import any LNG.

AGL is planning a 100 PJ/year facility at Crib Point, Victoria, with a final investment decision on the project due in the 2018-2019 (July-June) financial year for delivery of first gas to the domestic market during 2020-2021.

AIE – which is a consortium including Japan’s Marubeni and Jera and Australia’s Squadron Energy – is planning its project at Port Kembla, New South Wales. It is intended to have the ability to supply in excess of 100 PJ/year with an aim of being online by 2020.

The plans to import LNG to Australia’s east coast follow warnings of a tight supply picture in the region and concerns of potential shortages.