Glenfarne seeks approval to start early works on Alaska LNG pipeline

Glenfarne, which became the majority owner of the Alaska LNG project last year, is developing Alaska LNG in two financially independent phases to accelerate project execution.

Phase One consists of a 739-mile (1,287 km), 42-inch pipeline to transport 3.3 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas from Alaska’s North Slope to meet Alaska’s domestic energy needs and the planned liquefaction plant.

Phase Two of the project will add the LNG liquefaction terminal and related infrastructure to export 20 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG.

8 Star Alaska, a joint venture 75 percent by Glenfarne and 25 percent by state-owned Alaska Gasline Development Corporation, submitted the mainline pipeline early works implementation plan to FERC on February 5.

Over the next several months, the JV plans to file supplemental information with FERC with additional details regarding measures for compliance with the environmental conditions contained in its 2020 authorization order.

In such filings, 8 Star will request approval of this implementation plan and a notice to proceed with specified Alaska LNG project activities.

8 Star Alaska said that early works will include the development and construction of project features required to support Phase 1 mainline pipeline construction.

These include construction camps (20 primary camps and pads), approximately 149 borrow pits consisting of primary and alternate sites, pipe storage yard pads (46 sites, including those collocated with camp sites), temporary and permanent access roads, and 98 construction bridge crossings up to 90ft in length and 6 specialized bridges.

Contracts

Last month, provisionally named Australian engineering firm Worley to provide engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) services for the Alaska LNG pipeline project.

The provisional EPC contract follows Worley’s completion at the end of 2025 of Phase One engineering work sufficient for a final investment decision.

The conditional award remains subject to the completion of a definitive agreement.

Glenfarne also announced conditional awards for pipeline construction and line pipe supply,

The company also executed multiple agreements with North Slope producers for gas sales to the pipeline, ensuring natural gas supply for Phase One of the pipeline.

Among these agreements, Glenfarne has executed a gas sales precedent agreement with ExxonMobil for gas supply to the pipeline.

The company has also executed a gas sales precedent agreement with Hilcorp Alaska for additional volumes of gas to the pipeline.