Rio Grande LNG advances

The Texan scheme remains on track for initial FID, while preparatory engineering works are planned

Next Decade, the Nasdaq-listed developer of the 27mn t/yr Rio Grande LNG project in the US, has reaffirmed that it expects to make “a positive FID on up to three trains… in the second half of 2022, with FIDs on its remaining trains to follow thereafter”. The project will comprise five trains, each with a capacity of 5.4mn t/yr, with the first expected to start commercial operations "as early as 2026”. Next Decade recently signed an SPA with a Chinese utility and reached the SPA stage on a separate, previously announced deal with another Chinese buyer. The company last week announced a 20-year SPA with China Gas Holdings for 1mn t/yr, with supplies to come from the facility’s second train, “w