ABB has entered into a collaboration with Argent LNG to support a significant liquefied natural gas (LNG) export project located in Louisiana, which is projected to generate up to 25 million tons of LNG annually. This initiative aims to bolster global energy security and strengthen the position of LNG as a transitional energy source.

The facility will cater to markets across Japan, Southeast Asia, Europe, South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and North Africa.

Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Argent LNG, ABB will provide automation and electrical solutions for a liquefaction facility at Port Fourchon, situated about 150 kilometers south of New Orleans. By the year 2030, this project is expected to significantly enhance the U.S. LNG export capabilities, thereby contributing to global energy security and affirming the role of LNG as a transitional fuel.

As part of the MoU, the two companies will consider ABB’s plans to deliver a comprehensive automation and electrical framework, along with digital solutions focused on cybersecurity and data management, to aid Argent LNG in creating a low-carbon facility. Early-stage collaboration will allow them to design the system architecture to optimize operational performance and efficiency while ensuring compliance with emissions standards.

The facility is projected to serve global LNG export markets, including Japan, Southeast Asia, Europe, South America, and the Middle East.

Argent LNG plans to utilize modular liquefaction technology that emphasizes emission reduction and reliability. ABB will contribute to this approach through its Ability™ System 800xA® integrated controls platform, prefabricated eHouse design, and analyzer system solutions. The strategic location near established pipelines will also help to lower transportation costs and logistical challenges, thereby facilitating efficient operations and the 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 U.S.’s position as a leading producer and exporter of LNG to support global energy security,” stated 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.”

According to the International Energy Agency, the U.S. continues to be a major player in oil and gas investment, projected to represent around 40% of new LNG export capacity coming to market in the latter half of this decade. In 2023, the U.S. emerged as the world’s leading LNG exporter, contributing to 80% of the 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,” remarked Jonathan Bass, CEO of Argent LNG. “Our partnership with ABB not only supports this vision but also allows us to better manage engineering and construction costs, paving the way for Final Investment Decision (FID) with proven technologies. ABB’s dedication to energy efficiency and its expertise in automation, electrical, and digital solutions align seamlessly with the objectives for this facility.”

The facility will initially have a capacity of 10 million tons per annum (mtpa), with plans for a second phase that could increase this by an additional 15 mtpa. Additionally, a smaller-scale plant is being designed to supply LNG for next-generation LNG-powered offshore supply vessels operating in the Gulf of Mexico.

ABB’s Process Automation division specializes in automating, electrifying, and digitalizing industrial operations that meet a broad array of essential needs, from energy and water supply to the production and transportation of goods to market. With approximately 20,000 employees, along with leading technology and service expertise, ABB Process Automation supports clients in process, hybrid, and maritime sectors to enhance operational performance and safety, fostering a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.

As a frontrunner in electrification and automation technologies, ABB is committed to enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions integrate engineering expertise with software to optimize manufacturing, transportation, power supply, and operational processes. With over 140 years of industry excellence and a workforce exceeding 105,000 employees, ABB is dedicated to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation.

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