ABB, Argent LNG in collaboration

l ABB plans to collaborate with Argent LNG on a project in Louisiana expected to produce up to 25 million tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per year. (Image: ABB)

ABB has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Argent LNG to collaborate on automation and electrical solutions for a liquefaction facility at Port Fourchon in Louisiana.

Once operational, by 2030, it will enhance U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capabilities, support global energy security and reinforce the role of LNG as a transition fuel, the companies said.

Under the scope of the MoU, the companies will explore ABB’s plans to deliver an integrated automation and electrical infrastructure, as well as digital solutions including cyber security and data collection, to support Argent LNG’s efforts to develop a low carbon facility. The companies will collaborate from an early stage to design the system architecture to maximize operational performance and efficiency, to enable Argent LNG to adhere to emissions regulations.

The facility is expected to supply global LNG export markets including Japan, Southeast Asia, Europe, South America and the Middle East. The facility will have an initial capacity of 10 million tons per annum (mtpa), with a second phase adding up to an additional 15 mtpa. A smaller-scale plant will also be tailored to supply LNG for next-generation LNG-powered offshore supply vessels in the Gulf of Mexico.

Argent LNG will employ modular liquefaction technology, which focuses on emission reduction and reliability. ABB will support this approach with its Ability System 800xA integrated controls platform, prefabricated eHouse design and analyzer system solutions. Convenient access to established pipelines will also mean that transportation costs and logistical complexities are reduced to ensure efficient operations and delivery of natural gas feedstock to the facility.

“We are proud to collaborate with Argent LNG on this project which aims to further boost the US’s position as a leading producer and exporter of LNG to support global energy security,” said Nathan Tungseth, senior vice president for LNG at ABB Energy Industries. “Our automation, electrical and digital solutions are designed to help industrial plants operate at maximum efficiency and use less energy, to support a lower carbon future.”

The US remains a major investor in oil and gas, according to the International Energy Agency, which says the country will account for around 40 percent of new LNG export capacity coming to market in the second half of the decade. In 2023 the US became the world’s largest LNG exporter, accounting for 80% of additional LNG supply.

“This project will enable Argent LNG to provide affordable and cleaner energy - manufactured and transported as sustainably as possible - to people around the world who need it most,” said Jonathan Bass, CEO at Argent LNG. “Our partnership with ABB not only supports this vision, but also allows us to better control the costs of engineering and construction, enabling us to reach FID with proven technologies. ABB’s commitment to energy efficiency and expertise in automation, electrical and digital solutions aligns perfectly with the goals for this facility.”