Illustration generated with artificial intelligence

The Amigo LNG project, located in Guaymas, Sonora, operates under a judicial suspension issued by federal courts. The order requires Mexico's Agency for Safety, Energy and Environment (ASEA) to refrain from issuing environmental impact authorization until an injunction filed by civil organizations is resolved.

According to BNamericas reporting, the project developer LNG Alliance expects the injunction to be dismissed and projects construction work beginning in late June. Energy coverage from Energía a Debate details that civil organizations Nuestro Futuro A.C. and Artículo 19 filed the legal challenge, citing deficiencies in public consultation and access to environmental information about the project. The plant is designed to export over 5.1 million tons annually of liquefied natural gas to Asian markets.

Epcilon LNG, the U.S. subsidiary of LNG Alliance, obtained a non-FTA export permit from the U.S. Department of Energy to supply the Amigo project, providing commercial viability for the binational scheme. In Mexico, the plant still requires final environmental authorization from ASEA, approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission (now CNE), and execution of natural gas supply contracts through the Pacific corridor. The project ranks among the first LNG export developments on Mexico's Pacific coast. Amigo LNG originally planned to serve growing Asian demand with supplies from the Permian Basin, routed through cross-border pipelines to Sonora.

The court ruling on the injunction will determine the construction timeline. If the federal judge dismisses the challenge, ASEA can issue environmental authorization in the second half of 2024. If confirmed, the developer must redo the public consultation process and construction start would shift to 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Amigo LNG project in Sonora stalled?

A federal court granted a suspension in an injunction filed by Nuestro Futuro A.C. and Artículo 19, which alleges deficiencies in public consultation. ASEA cannot issue environmental authorization until the court case is resolved.

How much LNG would Amigo LNG export?

More than 5.1 million tons annually of liquefied natural gas to Asian markets from Guaymas, Sonora, according to BNamericas and Energía a Debate.

Does it have U.S. permits?

Yes. Epcilon LNG, the U.S. subsidiary of LNG Alliance, obtained the non-FTA export permit from the U.S. Department of Energy to supply Amigo LNG.

Sources