Rio Grande LNG Requests Condition 1 Variance for Intrastate Tie-In

Strategic Insights -

Rio Grande LNG, LLC has submitted a request to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to modify its existing natural gas liquefaction facility and liquefied natural gas export terminal in Cameron County, Texas, to facilitate an interconnect with a non-jurisdictional intrastate pipeline. The proposed modification aims to provide an additional source of gas supply during commissioning activities and post-commissioning, ensuring reliability of supply during start-up and peak demand throughout the operational life of the facility. The requested modification is within the authorized and previously disturbed footprint of the facility, and emissions associated with the tie-in and associated facilities are considered insignificant by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rio Grande LNG, LLC has submitted a Condition 1 Variance Request to FERC to modify its natural gas liquefaction facility and liquefied natural gas export terminal in Cameron County, Texas.
  • The proposed modification aims to provide an additional source of gas supply during commissioning activities and post-commissioning, ensuring reliability of supply during start-up and peak demand throughout the operational life of the facility.
  • The requested modification is within the authorized and previously disturbed footprint of the facility, and emissions associated with the tie-in and associated facilities are considered insignificant by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
  • Valley Crossing Pipeline, LLC will construct the intrastate components to Rio Grande up to a flanged tie-in point.
  • The HIPPS is comprised of two (2) 30-inch-diameter HIPPS valves and provides overpressure protection for downstream piping and equipment.
  • Rio Grande is also proposing to install a single intermittent electric heater downstream of the HIPPS and upstream of the feed gas mixing header, and an associated power distribution center.
  • The electric heater is needed to raise the feed gas temperature to the required plant specification during specific start-up scenarios.
  • Rio Grande has reviewed the applicable Conditions of the Order and prior to commencing any construction activities, intends to submit an Implementation Plan with all necessary compliance documentation.

Statistics:

  • The proposed modification aims to provide an additional source of gas supply during commissioning activities and post-commissioning, ensuring reliability of supply during start-up and peak demand throughout the operational life of the facility.
  • The facility is located in Cameron County, Texas, along the north embankment of the Brownsville Ship Channel.
  • The intrastate components will be constructed by Valley Crossing Pipeline, LLC up to a flanged tie-in point.
  • The HIPPS valves are 30-inch-diameter and provide overpressure protection for downstream piping and equipment.
  • A single intermittent electric heater will be installed downstream of the HIPPS and upstream of the feed gas mixing header, and an associated power distribution center.

Sources:

  • Rio Grande LNG, LLC & Rio Bravo Pipeline Company, LLC, 169 FERC P 61,131 (2019), modified, Rio Grande LNG, LLC & Rio Bravo Pipeline Company, LLC, 183 FERC P 61,046 (2023).
  • 18 C.F.R. SS 388.112.
  • Rio Grande LNG, LLC, Rio Grande LNG Project CP16-454-000, August 19, 2025.
  • https://elibrary.ferc.gov (the complete document can be viewed at this link).