FERC Issues Draft EIS for Cheniere's Corpus Christi Stage 4

en.Wedoany.com Reported - The U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a draft environmental impact statement for Cheniere's Corpus Christi Liquefaction (CCL) Stage 4 expansion project and the associated pipeline expansion project. FERC staff concluded that, with the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, the project's construction and operation are not expected to result in significant long-term adverse environmental impacts. The project is currently undergoing federal regulatory review.

The CCL Stage 4 project proposes to add four liquefaction trains, Trains 4 through 7, at the existing LNG terminal in San Patricio and Nueces Counties, Texas, with a maximum liquefaction capacity of approximately 1,200 Bcf/year. The project also plans to add two 220,000 m³ LNG storage tanks, one LNG loading berth, and associated trestles, loading platforms, loading arms, and flare systems.

Following the expansion of marine facilities, the Corpus Christi terminal will add a third LNG vessel berth capable of accommodating LNG carriers with cargo tank capacities of up to approximately 200,000 m³. According to FERC documents, once the project is operational, the terminal's annual LNG vessel calls are expected to increase from 480 to 870. The Stage 4 works also include a 48-inch-diameter, approximately 1-mile-long terminal feed gas pipeline connecting the Stage 4 metering station to the existing terminal facilities.

The associated CCPL pipeline expansion project, implemented by Cheniere Corpus Christi Pipeline, includes the construction of one new compressor station, approximately 25.8 miles of 42-inch pipeline loop, two metering stations, and three mainline valves. Upon completion of the expansion, CCPL's natural gas delivery capacity to the existing LNG terminal will reach up to 2.75 Bcf/d.

FERC has announced the subsequent review schedule. The public comment period for the draft environmental impact statement will close on November 9, 2026; the final environmental impact statement is scheduled for issuance on March 12, 2027; and the relevant federal authorization decision is expected to be completed no later than June 10, 2027. FERC formally accepted the project application on February 17, 2026.