Gov. Jindal Highlights Sempra Groundbreaking For Major LNG Project

BATON ROUGE, La. — Today, Gov. Bobby Jindal and President Octavio Simoes of Sempra Energy’s LNG operations highlighted the company’s groundbreaking ceremony in Hackberry, Louisiana, where the company will complete a $10 billion total investment through a $6 billion capital investment in a new liquefaction processing complex and liquefied natural gas export terminal.

Joining Sempra in the ceremony were executives from major customers who will purchase LNG exports from Sempra’s Cameron LNG facility, including Mitsubishi Corporation and Mitsui & Co. Ltd., both of Japan, and GDF Suez SA, which is based in France. The three companies hold long-term agreements to purchase LNG from the site and also hold minority ownership stakes in Cameron LNG, along with shipping company Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha. The Cameron LNG project will retain 60 existing jobs and create 140 new direct jobs, with salaries averaging $80,000 per year, plus benefits. Louisiana Economic Development estimates an additional 657 new indirect jobs will result in Southwest Louisiana and surrounding parishes, with the development of the new LNG facilities expected to generate 3,000 construction jobs in the region.

Gov. Jindal said, “Sempra’s investment of $6 billion in Louisiana – and the company’s ability to complete major purchasing agreements with some of the leading industrial companies in the world – speaks to the world-class capabilities inherent in Louisiana’s tremendous energy infrastructure and our outstanding workforce. Nowhere in the world will you find a better convergence of best-in-class facilities and highly trained workers with unsurpassed skills. With billions of dollars in new investment for projects like Cameron LNG, our state is demonstrating its prowess in providing next-generation energy infrastructure to keep the world moving and to create the best jobs of the future, right here in Louisiana.”

Completion of all liquefaction facilities and the launch of full operations at the Cameron LNG site will occur by 2019. Initial LNG shipments will begin by the end of 2017, with additional liquefaction facilities coming online in 2018 and 2019, when the site will be capable of producing 12 million metric tons per annum. Entergy Corp. is installing two major new transmission lines, along with a new substation in Hackberry, to provide sufficient electrical loads for the industrial project.

“We are extremely grateful to have a great advocate for our Cameron LNG liquefaction project in Governor Jindal,” Simoes said. “His unwavering support for the natural gas industry in Louisiana and for our project from the very first day will deliver thousands of jobs and economic investments in the state for decades to come.”

LED and the State of Louisiana began formal discussions about the project with Sempra in 2011. The company is expected to utilize Louisiana’s Quality Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs as it hires employees and places the capital project in service.

“Cameron Parish feels fortunate to not only have a substantial economic investment infrastructure-wise by Cameron LNG at their Hackberry location, but also in our residents and communities parishwide,” said President Kirk Quinn of the Cameron Parish Police Jury. “When it comes to economic, environmental and cultural impacts, it seems as though Cameron LNG has done their due diligence. We are proud of their efforts and hope that this relationship only strengthens in years to come.” 

“We are excited for this groundbreaking to occur on this major project for our region,” said President and CEO George Swift of the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance. “Sempra has been a good corporate citizen, and to get this project underway is truly historic. We appreciate the management for their decision to expand here.”

About Cameron LNG
Cameron LNG Holdings is a joint venture owned by affiliates of Sempra Energy, GDF Suez SA, Mitsui & Co. Ltd. and Japan LNG Investment LLC, a joint venture formed by subsidiaries of Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha and Mitsubishi Corporation, and comprises the Cameron LNG liquefied natural gas receipt terminal in Hackberry, Louisiana, and the construction and operation of liquefaction facilities adjacent to the existing terminal.

About Sempra Energy
Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy-services holding company with 2013 revenue of approximately $10.5 billion. The Sempra Energy companies’ 17,000 employees serve more than 31 million consumers worldwide. For more information, visit www.sempra.com.