The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission voted Feb. 15 to approve a cross-border pipeline segment that is part of a plan to take more U.S. natural gas to Mexico’s west coast for export.
The FERC voted in favor of a 48-inch diameter, 1,000-meter pipeline segment that crosses the Texas-Mexico border. The segment is part of the 655-mile ONEOK’s Saguaro Connector Pipeline, which is planned to follow a route from the Waha Hub in Pecos County to Puerto Libertad on Mexico’s West Coast.
RELATED: ONEOK Asks FERC to Grant Permian-Mexico Connector Pipeline
The segment that crosses the border is the only part of the line that requires federal approval, as the remainder of the line on the U.S. side is entirely within Texas borders.
Once completed, the line will have a capacity of about 2.8 Bcf/d. The LNG plant on Mexico’s coast has yet to reach final investment decision. Mexico Pacific LNG expects to spend about $15 billion on the LNG project.
The pipeline has been opposed by environmental groups and some of the people who live along the route, such as residents of the small West Texas town of Van Horn, where the line will pass within a mile of city limits.
Recommended Reading
TC Energy’s Keystone Back Online After Temporary Service Halt
2024-03-10 - As Canada’s pipeline network runs full, producers are anxious for the Trans Mountain Expansion to come online.
Early Startup of Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Surprises Analysts
2024-04-04 - Analysts had expected the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion to commence operations in June but the company said the system will begin shipping crude on May 1.
Pembina Pipeline Enters Ethane-Supply Agreement, Slow Walks LNG Project
2024-02-26 - Canadian midstream company Pembina Pipeline also said it would hold off on new LNG terminal decision in a fourth quarter earnings call.
Enterprise Gains Deepwater Port License for SPOT Offshore Texas
2024-04-09 - Enterprise Products Partners’ Sea Port Oil Terminal is located approximately 30 nautical miles off Brazoria County, Texas, in 115 ft of water and is capable of loading 2 MMbbl/d of crude oil.
Enbridge Announces $500MM Investment in Gulf Coast Facilities
2024-03-06 - Enbridge’s 2024 budget will go primarily towards crude export and storage, advancing plans that see continued growth in power generated by natural gas.