GDF SUEZ to develop Uruguay’s first LNG import terminal
Uruguay’s first LNG import terminalGDF SUEZ is pleased to announce that it has signed a 15-year BOOT (Build, Own, Operate and Transfer) contract with Gas Sayago S.A. 1 for LNG storage and regasification services in Uruguay. Commercial operation of the new terminal is expected in 2015. Located in the Punta Sayago area, close to Montevideo, the offshore terminal, GNL del Plata, will comprise a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) and a jetty, protected by a 1.5 km breakwater. The entire capacity of the terminal, which will be capable of receiving LNG carriers up to 218,000m3, will be reserved by the off-taker Gas Sayago, the Company said in a press release.
Development of LNG regasification capacity forms part of Uruguay’s Energy Policy 2005-2030 and has been identified as a priorty by the Government. GNL del Plata is one of Uruguay’s most important infrastructure projects and will contribute positively to a significant change in the country’s energy mix by providing an additional clean fuel source with access to international markets. The project will also reduce the proportion of imported oil in the country’s energy supply.
The LNG terminal will have a long-term storage capacity of 263,000 m3 and regasification capacity of 10 Msm3/day, expandable to 15 Msm3/day. The Shuttle Regasification Vessel GDF SUEZ Neptune will be used as a bridge solution before the delivery of the new-built FSRU contracted to Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. Tractebel Engineering will act as owner engineer during the construction phase.
Uruguay’s first LNG import terminalGérard Mestrallet, Chairman and CEO of GDF SUEZ, commented: “GNL del Plata marks our entry into the Uruguayan market and further expands our presence in Latin America, which is a key growth region for our Group. LNG demand in the region is expected to more than double within the next 10 years and this terminal will allow us to support the development of the LNG industry and to strengthen our global LNG footprint and experience.”
GDF SUEZ is an experienced international operator of LNG facilities in South America. Since 2010, GDF SUEZ has been operating the GNL Mejillones plant in Chile, an LNG regasification terminal able to deliver up to 5 million m³ of natural gas per day to power generators to meet copper mining and industry demand.
Uruguay: growing and stable economy
Uruguay has an investment grade credit rating, with its economy growing steadily over the last decade backed by a solid institutional and judicial system. GDP in 2012 increased 3.9% to USD 49.9 billion.
1 Gas Sayago S.A. is owned by the Uruguayan state-owned companies UTE and ANCAP.
About GDF SUEZ
GDF SUEZ develops its businesses (power, natural gas, energy services) around a model based on responsible growth to take up today’s major energy and environmental challenges: meeting energy needs, ensuring the security of supply, fighting against climate change and maximizing the use of resources. The Group provides highly efficient and innovative solutions to individuals, cities and businesses by relying on diversified gas-supply sources, flexible and low-emission power generation as well as unique expertise in four key sectors: independent power production, liquefied natural gas, renewable energy and energy efficiency services.GDF SUEZ employs 138,200 people worldwide and achieved revenues of €82 billion in 2012. The Group is listed on the Paris, Brussels and Luxembourg stock exchanges and is represented in the main international indices: CAC 40, BEL 20, DJ Euro Stoxx 50, Euronext 100, FTSE Eurotop 100, MSCI Europe, ASPI Eurozone, Euronext Vigeo Eurozone 120, Vigeo World 120, Vigeo Europe 120 and Vigeo France 20.
