Last year, FERC approved construction of the terminal’s utility facilities.

These facilities include a pig launcher adjacent to the ADCC storage meter, a pipeline starting at the pig launcher location and ending at the pig receiver location adjacent to the feed gas inlet of the Stage 3 LNG facilities, and a jumper line to integrate the pipeline into the existing supply line to the existing liquefaction project.

On July 24, 2024, FERC approved the introduction of hydrocarbons into the terminal’s supply pipeline facilities.

Corpus Christi Liquefaction stated in a FERC filing dated August 12 that “hydrocarbons were successfully introduced into the system on August 7.”

CCL is now applying for approval to “commission the terminal supply line facilities at the earliest possible date, but no later than August 16, 2024.”

“CCL is not currently requiring the introduction of hydrocarbons into the Phase 3 project facilities,” it said.

More than 62.4 percent completed

Cheniere’s liquefaction plant in Corpus Christi currently has three trains in operation, each with a capacity of approximately 5 million tons per year.

In June 2022, Cheniere made a final investment decision for the Corpus Christi Stage 3 expansion project valued at approximately $8 billion, and fellow countryman Bechtel officially began construction on the project in October of the same year.

The project involves the construction of seven medium-sized trains, each with an expected liquefaction capacity of approximately 1.49 million tonnes per year.

Cheniere’s Corpus Christi Liquefaction unit said in its June construction report filed with FERC on Monday that overall completion for the Phase 3 project was 62.4 percent.

As of April 31, 2024, the project was 57.6 percent complete.

Phase 3 design and procurement work is 93.7 percent and 80.3 percent complete, respectively, while subcontracted and direct construction work is 83.9 percent and 24.4 percent complete, respectively.

First LNG production in 2024

Cheniere had originally stated that LNG deliveries from the expansion project were expected to begin in 2025 and full production would be achieved in 2027.

But Chenieres CEO Jack Fusco said in August last year that the company expects to complete the expansion phase ahead of schedule.

The company confirmed in its second-quarter report that it expects first LNG production from the first train in late 2024.

The company also said it expects the first gas delivery to the first train 1 in about two months.

The substantial completion of the project is expected in the first half of 2025 – second half of 2026.

In addition to this expansion, Cheniere plans to build two additional liquefaction trains at the Corpus Christi plant as part of the third expansion phase.

Cheniere intends to make a final investment decision on this project in 2025.

In addition, Cheniere intends to build two new liquefaction trains as part of the Sabine Pass Stage 5 expansion project to expand the capacity of the massive 30 Mtpa plant by up to 20 Mtpa.