OPPORTUNITY
In the early 2000s, there was a growing demand for a cleaner energy source in the United States. Because natural gas is a clean-burning fuel, two of the major players in the global LNG industry saw an opportunity to import natural gas into the United States to help meet that demand.
Project developers were evaluating multiple sites along the Gulf Coast in three different states. Considerations included land availability, proximity to a deep water port, skilled workforce availability and pipeline accessibility. HDA was engaged to support the site selection and permitting process for all sites under consideration, including regional assessments, stakeholder engagement, materials development and community outreach.
APPROACH
HDA conducted an in-depth strategic planning session in which we worked with the client to identify goals, objectives and anticipated issues for the project. We then conducted social and economic analyses for each of the four sites based on the criteria identified during the planning session. HDA spearheaded key stakeholder engagement, project introductions and media relations across all sites. We supported the permitting process for all four sites, including governmental relations, media coordination, community open houses and other informational sessions.
When the Sabine Pass, Texas site was ultimately chosen, outreach expanded to include federal, state and county officials, the Sabine Pass community and other municipalities, business, economic and civic organizations and media organizations in the Golden Triangle (Jefferson, Orange and Hardin Counties) in Southeast Texas.
Extensive, meaningful conversations and discussions were held with these stakeholders to focus on the opportunities and benefits to come to the area while gathering input and addressing concerns from the community. Many community open houses and stakeholder meetings were held. All of the due diligence and planning paid off with the culmination of a groundbreaking event at the local school, supported by the entire Sabine Pass community and attended by the governor of Texas in support of the project.
RESULTS
Once the Sabine Pass, Texas site was selected for the project. The joint venture companies established positive relationships throughout the region and contributed to numerous initiatives that were important to the community, including education and marsh restoration efforts. The area welcomed the transformational investment that the project would generate and the company’s commitment to being a good community partner.
Following a multi-year construction period, the LNG import project began in November 2003. Construction of the natural gas pipeline was completed in 2009, followed by the completion of the terminal construction in 2010. The new import terminal received its first LNG cargo in October 2010 on a newly built Q-Flex ship.
Due to advances in technology, the United States soon had the opportunity to become an abundant domestic natural gas resource base. Around 2012, it was estimated that the United States had enough natural gas supply to last more than 100 years. This was exciting news for the entire country. However, the newly built Golden Pass LNG faced an important challenge. What role would the existing facility play in the evolving energy market? The facility maintained all authorizations, operational capabilities, and a ready-to-receive status, serving as a safety valve for U.S. energy security in the event of market disruptions.
This challenge created an opportunity, and the start of a new project in 2012 – the Golden Pass LNG export project. In 2019 our shareholders made a final investment decision to proceed with the project, and construction on a new, world-class LNG export facility began.