Linde to take helium from Freeport LNG

Industrial gas giant Linde said it has signed a long-term offtake agreement with Freeport LNG to recover the helium contained in the latter’s liquefaction and export facility in Texas.

Besides the supply deal, Linde said in a statement it would also construct a new helium processing plant in Freeport to purify and liquify the recovered helium, securing an additional source of liquid helium in the US.

Linde will supply helium to its customers across various end markets including aerospace, electronics, healthcare and manufacturing.

According to the firm, it plans to launch the project in 2024 and provide nearly 200 million cubic feet of helium into the company’s supply portfolio.

“Through a unique application of Linde’s proven technology, we are able to efficiently capture helium from Freeport’s LNG plant,” Odessa Mann, Linde’s general manager helium and rare gas, said.

Working with Freeport LNG, Linde would secure a new helium source in the US to help meet growing demand, Mann said.

“By working with Linde, we have the opportunity to complement our LNG operations and strengthen the domestic supply of helium,” Aaron Neus, Freeport LNG’s senior VP, chief marketing and strategy officer, said.

Freeport LNG, led by billionaire Michael Smith, launched commercial operations in May 2020 for the third liquefaction train at its facility in Texas.

The start of third train operations also marked the full commercial operation of Freeport LNG’s $13.5 billion, three-train facility. It has a capacity of more than 15 mtpa.

Freeport LNG is also planning to add another production unit with a capacity of five mtpa but it has not yet taken a final investment decision.

Most Popular

Baker Hughes to buy Chart in $13.6 billion deal

US energy services firm Baker Hughes has entered into a definitive deal to buy compatriot LNG equipment maker Chart Industries. The transaction is worth $13.6 billion.

Venture Global takes FID on CP2 LNG

US LNG exporter Venture Global LNG has taken a final investment decision (FID) on the first phase of its CP2 LNG project in Louisiana. The company also closed the $15.1 billion project financing, claiming that it represents the largest standalone project financing ever, and the second-largest project financing after the combined financings of Venture Global’s Plaquemines LNG.

Worley gets full notice to proceed on first phase of CP2 LNG project

Australian engineering firm Worley has received a full notice to proceed from US LNG exporter Venture Global LNG under its reimbursable EPC contract for the first phase of the CP2 LNG project in Louisiana.

More News Like This

Freeport LNG secures more time to build fourth train

Freeport LNG has secured an additional extension from the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to construct the fourth liquefaction train at its export plant in Texas.

Freeport seeks more time to build fourth LNG train

Freeport LNG has requested additional time from the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to construct and place in service the planned fourth liquefaction train at its export plant in Texas.

Freeport LNG production hits record in April

Freeport LNG, the operator of the three-train 15 mtpa liquefaction plant in Texas, said it had achieved record LNG production in April due to the completion of a debottlenecking project. The LNG terminal operator also placed its third LNG tank back into commercial operations following the facility's June 2022 overpressure incident.

Freeport LNG seeks OK to return third tank to commercial service

Freeport LNG, the operator of the three-train 15 mtpa liquefaction plant in Texas, is seeking regulatory approval to place its third LNG tank back into commercial operations following the facility's June 2022 overpressure incident.