U.S. Reviews Freedom LNG’s Plan to Export Natural Gas via Mexico

The U.S. Energy Department has initiated a review of Freedom LNG LLC’s proposal to export natural gas through Mexico. The request, filed on September 11, seeks permission to send up to 343 billion cubic feet of U.S.-sourced natural gas annually to Mexico, with a significant portion re-exported as liquefied natural gas (LNG). The proposed BRAVO LNG Project, located near the Port of Matamoros in Tamaulipas, Mexico, aims to handle as much as 307 billion cubic feet of re-exports yearly, equivalent to about 6 million metric tons of LNG.

The project, developed by Singapore-based LNG Alliance Pte. Ltd., would be owned and operated by BRAVO LNG S.A. de C.V., an affiliate of Freedom LNG. The gas would be transported via the existing Sur de Texas-Tuxpan offshore pipeline system. The Energy Department’s notice specifies that the review covers re-exports to countries without U.S. free-trade agreements, while requests for free-trade countries will be considered separately.

The review process will consider legal and policy requirements, including compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. The notice does not specify timelines for construction or export commencement. Public comments on the proposal are due by December 7.