OREANDA-NEWS. July 31, 2014. In another important step forward for the Alaska LNG project, an application to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) was submitted to the U.S. Department of Energy.

The export application requests authorization to export up to 20 million metric tons per year of LNG for a period of 30 years to countries that have existing free trade agreements with the U.S., as well as to non-free trade agreement countries.

“This is a significant milestone for the Alaska LNG project and demonstrates continued progress toward developing Alaska’s resources,” said Steve Butt, senior project manager. “Filing of an export application is a critical step in commercializing North Slope natural gas.”

The Alaska LNG project would provide significant economic benefits to Alaskans including state revenues, new job opportunities and access to decades of domestically produced natural gas for homes and businesses in Alaska.

According to a study by NERA Economic Consulting, submitted in support of the application, the Alaska LNG project would have “unequivocally positive” economic impacts in Alaska and the United States. The Alaska LNG project is anticipated to create up to 15,000 jobs during construction and approximately 1,000 jobs for operation of the project.

The proposed project facilities include: a liquefaction plant and terminal in the Nikiski area on the Kenai Peninsula; an 800-mile, 42-inch pipeline; up to eight compression stations; at least five take-off points for in-state gas delivery; and a gas treatment plant located on the North Slope.

The Alaska LNG project participants are the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation (AGDC) and affiliates of TransCanada, BP, ConocoPhillips, and ExxonMobil. The project is now in the pre-front-end engineering and design phase, which is expected to be completed in 2016. For more information on Alaska LNG, visit ak-lng.com.