Sempra Infrastructure, the subsidiary of California-based utility and energy company Sempra and with stakes in LNG plants and projects in the US and Mexico, has completed the sale of a stake in the Port Arthur LNG project in Texas to US asset management firm Kohlberg Karvis Roberts (KKR), which is already a stakeholder in Sempra Infrastructure.
Sempra said the sale was complete to KKR on a 42 percent indirect, non-controlling interest basis in the Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 project .
The transaction results in Sempra Infrastructure retaining a controlling 28 percent indirect interest in Phase 1 at the project level, and ConocoPhillips owning the remaining 30 percent interest.
“The closing of this transaction continues the positive momentum of our world-class Port Arthur LNG facility and highlights Sempra Infrastructure's ability to access capital to support the growth of its infrastructure business,” said Justin Bird, Chief Executive of Sempra Infrastructure.
“We remain committed to developing energy infrastructure projects with strong partners to continue growing our portfolio while advancing global decarbonization and energy security,” Bird added.
James Cunningham, a Partner at KKR, said the firm was pleased to proceed with the investment.
“Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 has continued its strong momentum and is on track to meet its objectives of helping to deliver energy security, economic growth and a near-term supply of reliable and cleaner energy,” added Cunningham.
Texas FID
Sempra Infrastructure reached a positive final investment decision for Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 in March 2023 and contracted US engineering firm Bechtel Energy to build the facility.
The company has additionally placed major long-lead time orders with equipment and technology companies Air Products and Baker Hughes.
The $13 billion total estimated capital expenditures for the Port Arthur project are being financed with $6.8Bln of non-recourse project-level debt and $6.2Bln of project-level equity.
The company noted that 100 percent of current contractable capacity for Port Arthur Phase 1 had been secured with long-duration contracts and high-quality counterparties.
“The expected commercial operation dates for Train 1 and Train 2 are 2027 and 2028 respectively,” Sempra said.
Progress also continues at Energía Costa Azul LNG Phase 1 on the Pacific Coast of Mexico where construction at the Mexican export project remains on track to reach commercial operations by the summer of 2025.
The San Diego, California-based company is also pursuing a Phase 2 development project at the Cameron LNG export plant in Louisiana.
