Project Overview
The LNG Facility
RES plans to build a new market area storage Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) peaking facility in Westbrook, ME. The Westbrook LNG Project is needed to fulfill the supply commitments made to natural gas consumers during peak day usage on extremely cold winter days. The LNG Facility will include a liquefaction system to produce LNG for summer refill, approximately 1.5 to 2.0 Billion Cubic Feet (BCF) full containment LNG storage tank to hold approximately 18 - 24 million gallons of LNG, and regasification equipment to vaporize LNG back into natural gas for send-out to the pipeline system on the coldest winter days. The Westbrook LNG Project will connect to the nearby existing Joint Facilities (interstate pipeline owned by Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline [MNE] and Portland Natural Gas Transmission System [PNGTS]) via a new short pipeline and install LNG truck loading facilities.
In addition, the Project will install a (2) MW solar farm on the property to supply a portion of the electricity for the facility.
RES will develop, construct, own and operate the LNG Facility. The Project will provide service to two anchor customers - Northern Utilities and Boston Gas. Northern Utilities has contracted for 0.5 BCF of storage capacity and Boston Gas has contracted for 1.0 BCF of storage capacity.
Benefits
SUPPLY RELIABILITY
Having local natural gas readily available when it is needed most provides reliability, diversity and security to the consumers, helps to keep pricing stable, and removes uncertainty associated with foreign natural gas supplies.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY USAGE
Additional natural gas capacity is complimentary to the growing intermittent wind and solar development without the need for new pipeline infrastructure.
SAFETY
LNG is safe to handle and store and has an impressive track record in New England.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Local jobs will be created during the design and construction of e LNG Facility. Permanent job opportunities will be created to reliably and safely operate the facility. The project will be a major addition to the local tax base with low demand for services.
About LNG
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is natural gas (primarily methane) that has been liquefied by reducing its temperature to - 260 degrees Fahrenheit. LNG provides about 10% of New England's total annual gas supply and up to 27% on the coldest winter days. LNG has been used in New England for almost 50 years.
There are 28 LNG facilities located throughout New England with a total storage capacity of approximately 16 Billion cubic feet (192 MM Gallons).
LNG has an excellent safety record in all its facets –production, shipping, trucking and storage. LNG facilities are designed to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) 49 CFR 193 and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 59A standards.