Southern Union Co. received approval from the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to bring its US$430 million Trunkline LNG (liquefied natural gas) infrastructure enhancement project in Lake Charles, La., into service.

The project involves two components: the construction of a natural gas liquids (NGLs) extraction facility as well as installing four ambient air vaporization units. The facility will be the only LNG regasification terminal in North America to utilize ambient air vaporization technology, which improves fuel efficiency during regasification.

The NGL extraction facility will provide the terminal’s LNG customer, BG LNG Services, with more options in sourcing its LNG supply.

“We are extremely pleased to have placed [the project] into service. This technologically advanced project showcases the leadership position that Trunkline LNG enjoys within the industry. The long-term nature of our contract with BG (the contract runs through 2030), coupled with the stable nature of Trunkline LNG’s cash flows, will benefit the company and its shareholders for decades to come,” Eric Herschmann, president and chief operating officer of Southern Union, said. – Frank Nieto