Project Information
AGL Resources is proposing to build a natural gas storage project in the Spindletop salt dome in Beaumont, Texas, approximately a half-mile to a mile below ground, by hollowing out the salt to create caverns. Virtually impermeable and protected deep underground, salt dome caverns are the safest means of storing natural gas.
Stored natural gas provides a number of benefits:
- balances changes in market demand,
- stabilizes prices and
- provides a buffer against supply disruptions, such as hurricanes.
The Golden Triangle Storage project will increase Jefferson County’s storage capacity by 80 percent, enhancing the area’s position as a national energy hub and increasing the functionality of both its existing and planned energy infrastructure.
Golden Triangle Storage will be designed, built and operated to meet or exceed the latest regulatory guidelines for safety and environmental sensitivity. Located on land on the far southern edge of Beaumont, the facility will be on the site of old sulfur mines, continuing oil production, and near existing natural gas storage facilities.
The project will be conveniently located near natural gas supplies, including natural gas imported through area liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, East Texas natural gas fields and offshore deepwater wells. A number of nearby pipelines can deliver that natural gas to customers in the region as well as to markets in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.
Golden Triangle Storage initially will offer 12 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of working gas capacity – enough natural gas to power nearly 300,000 Texas homes for a year – in two salt dome caverns and can be expanded to 28 Bcf.
Construction will begin in 2008, pending all regulatory agency approvals. The first storage cavern will be ready for commercial operations in late 2010 to early 2011 and the second cavern in 2013.
Back to Top
|