Commonwealth LNG (Commonwealth) has authorized an order for six Baker Hughes refrigerant turbo compressors. The compressors are essential components in the liquefaction process for Commonwealth’s 9.5 MTPA liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility currently under development in Cameron, Louisiana. The refrigerant compressors will be powered by Baker Hughes LM9000 gas turbines, marking a major milestone in the project’s progress toward commercial operations.
The LM9000 is Baker Hughes’ most efficient and powerful aeroderivative gas turbine driver in its class, delivering over 73 MW of power with efficiency of 44%, resulting in lower carbon intensity and contributing to an environmentally sensitive solution. According to Baker Hughes, its compact package design allows for fast installation, easy inspection, and condition-based maintenance, delivering high reliability and maintainability.
“We’re proud to partner with an advanced technology leader like Baker Hughes for this critical element of the project,” said Farhad Ahrabi, president and chief executive officer at Commonwealth. “The LM9000 technology aligns perfectly with our commitment to operational efficiency and environmental stewardship.”
“As we progress towards FID [final investment decision] this year, this is yet another important milestone, in line with Commonwealth LNG’s ambitious goals to deliver responsibly sourced low-emission fuel to domestic and international markets for decades to come,” said Ben Dell, managing partner of Kimmeridge and chair of Caturus.
The order will be placed by Technip Energies, which Commonwealth recently announced will lead the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) execution of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility.
Commonwealth LNG and Caturus Energy (formerly Kimmeridge Texas Gas) comprise Caturus, the only independent, fully integrated natural gas and LNG export platform in the US. Kimmeridge, an asset manager focused on the energy sector, formed Caturus to deliver natural gas from wellhead-to-water and to meet demand for LNG across global markets.
The Baker Hughes deal builds on Commonwealth LNG’s August announcement that it contracted Technip Energies to provide EPC services for Commonwealth’s LNG facility. Technip Energies has delivered more than 20% of the world’s LNG operating capacity, including the design and delivery of facilities and associated LNG infrastructure. Technip Energies previously completed front-end engineering and design activities for the Commonwealth LNG project. It has also undertaken significant effort to optimize Commonwealth LNG’s construction schedule, cost, and the procurement plan for all aspects of the project.
“We are excited to continue working alongside Technip Energies as we build our state-of-the-art LNG export facility, a cornerstone of our integrated LNG strategy,” said Dell. “Technip Energies has been a valuable partner to Commonwealth, shares our commitment to operational excellence and will support our targeted production date of 2029. We look forward to delivering reliable, clean energy while creating lasting value for the local community.”
“We’re pleased to have reached this critical milestone in our project’s development as we expand our relationship with Technip Energies through the formal award of an EPC contract, that also includes Limited Notice to Proceed,” said Ahrabi. “Utilizing Technip Energies’ fully modular approach to construction as compared to the commonly used stick-built LNG facilities being developed in the US will enable us to ensure first class project execution with certainty of outcome on both cost and schedule for all our stakeholders.”
Commonwealth LNG anticipates an FID on its LNG project in the second half of 2025 with LNG production commencing in 2029.
