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Liquefied natural gas (LNG) project development is accelerating
rapidly to meet expanding global energy demands in the
21st century. LNG demand is expected to more than double
by 2010, causing LNG to become a highly dynamic and increasingly
strategic global commodity.
Leaders in the energy industry
and government alike are facing many new and complex challenges
related to LNG project development. ICF International’s
LNG expertise and project experience span financial, technical,
environmental, and safety and security disciplines and provide
essential LNG services to clients worldwide.
ICF International has successfully undertaken more than 300
energy projects around the world—delivered on time
and on-budget. We have participated in many of the most significant
LNG projects in the world since the early 1970s. ICF International is uniquely qualified to help LNG decision makers
meet a variety of LNG challenges by providing comprehensive
state-of-the art LNG services.
ICF International uses a multidisciplinary approach to offer
clients innovative and cost-effective solutions to overcome
the challenges facing LNG project development. ICF International
professionals draw upon extensive experience and a suite
of proprietary
and licensed gas modeling tools to give our
clients timely intelligence, detailed insight, meaningful
conclusions, and clear recommendations. While our approach
is sophisticated, our goal is straightforward—to
help our clients achieve success.
Market Assessment & Economic Forecasting
ICF International has provided sophisticated market analysis and
modeling, competitor research, and pricing and contracting
strategies to numerous clients.
LNG Market Studies. ICF has completed numerous studies on LNG markets and price contracting terms for various clients. The studies focused on determining whether regional gas markets support LNG deliveries, which required investigation into the market impact of LNG deliveries. The analyses determine whether market-clearing prices will be adequate to support the delivered cost of LNG. The projects typically investigate several different market scenarios using ICF’s Gas Market Model (GMM®) to complete the analysis.
Atlantic Basin LNG Trade. For the government
of Qatar, ICF International studied the competitive aspects
of Atlantic basin LNG markets with respect to the positioning
of Qatari imports to North America. Our review included an
assessment of the reserves and costs of production in various
countries, liquefaction costs, transportation, and netbacks
from the U.S. markets. This was part of a larger study of
U.S. import issues for Qatar.
Pacific Basin LNG Trade. ICF International has
conducted LNG market and LNG supply studies on behalf
of clients for importations of LNG into Thailand and
Singapore. The studies were in-depth analyses of local
markets, market structures, and pricing dynamics. Key elements
have been our in-depth Pacific Rim LNG supply market analyses
and our understanding of the development of LNG capabilities,
shipping, and deliverability.
North American LNG Trade. ICF International
has provided several LNG import studies for Asian, Middle
Eastern, European, and U.S.-based clients seeking to import
LNG to North America. We focused
on the dynamics of the North American market, price formation,
the outlook for LNG as a competitive source of supply, and
the impact on pipelines and pricing basis of individual LNG
facilities in specific regions. Clients have used our work
to help guide their investment decisions.
LNG Policy Paper. ICF International prepared a
national white paper on LNG issues for the National
Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, the
national body of state regulators, focused on the economics
of LNG and the safety and siting of LNG facilities. The white
paper will be used as a guidance document for state regulators
nationwide.
LNG and Alaska Pipeline Tradeoffs. ICF International helped the Alaskan North Slope producers
evaluate the effect on North
American gas prices and market dynamics of introducing
up to four billion cubic feet per day of Alaskan gas to the
marketplace. Our sensitivity analyses focused on the interactions
between LNG importation and the pipeline for the effect on
gas prices. The study proved useful to the clients in developing
an understanding of the netback value of the gas. It also
identified alternative strategies and implications of delivery
destinations in the North American gas network.
Evaluation of LNG Market in South Korea. ICF International was asked to perform an economic and financial
feasibility study of an existing gas-fired generation power
station in South Korea by a major private sector gas and
power company. The analysis looked at the effects of changes
in relative price of LNG, nuclear buildup, the effects of
new combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) technology and demand
for power to determine the future prospects of the existing
station and potential expansions at the same site. ICF International's Integrated Planning Model (IPM®) was
used to estimate revenues and dispatch forecasts for all
the major power producing facilities in the country. We also
established the effect on the overall size of the LNG market.
Natural Gas Reliability and Capacity
Analysis. ICF International performed a reliability
and capacity study for a Midwest gas utility’s facilities
for supplying natural gas during peak demand periods. The
supply facilities included a substitute natural gas (SNG)
plant, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tank and vaporizer,
an underground gas storage field, and a propane/air injection
unit. We determined the probabilities of different combinations
of facility outages and associated gas delivery capacities
using the estimated reliability and effective capacity
levels for the individual gas supplies. Our analysis enabled
the client to assess the adequacy of the reserve margin
to support its presentations to the state public utility
commission.
LNG Supply Analysis. ICF International evaluated several gas
distribution company LNG projects to perform regional gas
supply studies. We developed computer models to optimize
the gas supply options—including
gas supply contracts, pipeline contracts, storage, peak shaving
facilities, and LNG facilities.
Environmental Assessments
ICF International offers a complete range of services for the
design, evaluation, and implementation of environmental policies
and projects around the world. Working in six continents,
we develop and refine strategies that address environmental,
health, and safety challenges, including market-based incentives,
public-private partnerships, and performance-based approaches.
As industry leaders in both environmental and LNG consulting,
we create sound economic models and well-researched risk
assessment methodologies for our clients.
Comprehensive LNG Project Review: Financial, Design,
Environmental, and Safety and Security Management. ICF International reviewed and managed three large-scale multinational
LNG projects for the Government of The Bahamas. We framed
and analyzed policy issues and options for consideration
by government decision makers reviewing LNG project proposals
and provided market assessments and fee appraisals related
to LNG projects. ICF International conducted technical reviews
of environmental
impact assessments (EIA) and developed
and implemented environmental management plans (EMP), safety
and security plans, and heads of agreement (HOA) for LNG
projects. We also evaluated the expected level of reliability
for LNG project design alternatives in Puerto Rico.
Environmental Impact Study of Deep
Water Ports. ICF International
staff analyzed the onshore industrial economic and environmental
impacts of constructing and operating a deep water port in
five locations: Machias (Maine), Sandy Hook (New Jersey),
Delaware Bay (Southern New Jersey), the Mississippi Delta
(La Fourche, Louisiana), and Freeport (Texas) on behalf of
the Council on Environmental Quality.
LNG Project Alternative Identification
and Assessment. ICF International evaluated several LNG project alternatives for
the Chevron-Texaco West African Pipeline Project. We conducted
five separate environmental impact assessments for this multinational
natural gas development project. The project may yet expand
to include LNG infrastructure.
Regulations and Code Compliance
ICF International specializes in the coordination efforts between
regulatory agencies and the client. We are continually reviewing
the most current regulations and code compliance under National
Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), U.S. Department of Transportation
(DOT), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of
Homeland Security, and the U.S. Coast Guard, along with other
state and federal regulations. Specific capabilities include
facility siting, thermal radiation, vapor dispersion, threat
analysis, waterway suitability, seismic analysis, risk management
plans, and site selection documentations.
LNG Supply Assessment, Demand Forecast, and Regulatory
Support. ICF International assisted several LNG import
investor groups interested in gaining a better understanding
of the dynamics of the North American gas market and the
regulatory framework associated with importing LNG. We
developed forecasts of future market conditions, with and
without variable LNG supplies. These studies were supplemented
by a variety of specific pipeline and gas contract variables.
We are currently assessing natural gas markets and commercial
arrangements for a potential LNG importer and providing
market intelligence for investor groups in Europe and South
America on U.S. market and regulatory issues relevant to
LNG.
LNG Facility Code Review. For various clients,
we provided the code review for LNG facilities to ensure
compliance with 49 CFR 193 and NFPA 59A. Specific tasks included
the review and update of current procedures, operations and
maintenance (O&M),
analysis of code compliance requirements, and site inspections.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) Application. We provide
technical assistance, submittal preparations and overview
in FERC application submission, including the review of
LNG tank specifications, mass and heat balance, process
and instrument diagrams (P&ID), hazard and operability
studies (HAZOPS), FERC documents, and Resource Reports
11 & 13.
West Coast LNG Import Terminal. We played
a lead roll in LNG import Project conception, preliminary
design, safety analysis, re-siting, seismic, FERC application,
interchangeability/stripping, and community relations. Along
with liaison with the California Energy Commission and Port
of Long Beach—and countering opposition from theCalifornia
Coastal Commission and Public Utilities Commission—we
contributed to
safety and security portions of Environmental Impact Statements
(EIS).
LNG Receiving Facility (Initial Project and Expansion). We
performed vapor dispersion and thermal radiation calculations,
prepared a RR13 Spill Containment report for Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) and fire and hazard drawings, developed
Matrix and wording for RR13m, and assisted the owner with
the FERC process.
Gulf Coast LNG (Initial Project and
Expansion). We performed vapor
dispersion and thermal radiation calculations and prepared
the RR13 Spill Containment report for the Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS), threat analysis and fire and hazard
drawings, and Matrix and wording for RR13.
Safety and Quality Assurance
Given that safety and quality assurance continue to be
pressing issues in the natural gas industry, ICF International
provides clients with key technologies to improve the
performance and reliability of their facilities. We provide
such services as inspections, design reviews, hazard and
risk analyses and management, safety audits and procedures,
quality assurance reviews/plans, security evaluations, audiovisual
materials, and public demonstrations.
LNG Receiving Facility Hazard/Threat
Analysis. We performed threat
assessment/hazard analysis studies for many of the proposed
LNG Receiving Terminals throughout the United States. Specific
tasks included performing vapor dispersion and thermal
radiation calculations, preparing the Resource Report 13
Spill Containment report for the Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS), fire and hazard drawings, and the Matrix and wording
for Resource Report 13.
Texas LNG Facility. We refurbished and
recommissioned the 9 MMscf/d liquefaction and storage facility
producing a 99.9 percent methane product for LNG vehicle
fuel.
LNG Initial Projects and Expansions. We
performed vapor dispersion and thermal radiation calculations,
and prepared Resource Report 13 Spill Containment report
for Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), threat analysis,
fire and hazard drawings, and content and wording for Resource
Report 13.
Offshore LNG Project. We performed vapor
dispersion and thermal radiation calculations, prepared Resource
Report 13 Spill Containment report for Environmental Impact
Statement, and reviewed Resource Report 13 Sections on Fire
and Hazard, Regulatory Compliance, and emergency shutdown(ESD)
systems.
LNG Safety and Informational Audiovisual
Materials. For various clients, we directed,
performed demonstrations, and reviewed production of LNG
safety and informational audiovisual materials. These materials
were prepared for elected officials and the general public
and used for Web site promotion of LNG facilities.
LNG Site Development (Feasibility). We performed
duties and served as advisors to several LNG facility
owners regarding LNG site selection, sizing, layout, and
process concept.
Facilities Services
As new facilities are being proposed
and constructed worldwide, ICF International offers cost analysis
and an array of other technical services to our clients'
facilities. Included in this range of services are feasibility,
siting, preliminary design and safety reviews, design optimization,
tank inspections, and training programs.
Transhipment Study.
For a confidential client, we studied the feasibility
of modifying an existing import terminal to include the capacity
of LNG ship loading for re-export.
Decommissioning Plan. We developed
the LNG facility decommissioning plan for submission to the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Peakshaving Plant. For a confidential client,
we provided consulting on a new LNG peakshaving plant in
the U.S. Northeast. Consulting services included liquefaction
and capability for trucking and barging. Other tasks included
site/environmental evaluation, site acquisition, layout optimization,
preliminary design code compliance, gas quality, estimating,
and government relations.
LNG Transhipment Terminal. For a confidential
client, we completed a feasibility study for LNG transhipment
to receive LNG from large, long-haul LNG carriers by loading
smaller LNG carriers that can access U.S. terminals with
draft and receiving capacity limitations.
Canadian LNG Import Terminal. We played
the lead role in siting and hazard evaluation on community
and government relations. Additional duties included design
review, code compliance, and community relations.
Community Relations. We provided technical
support and participated with community relations on several
of the proposed LNG Receiving Terminals, including participation
in live LNG demonstrations.
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