Aramco and NextDecade Corporation have signed a non-binding Heads of Agreement for a 20-year liquefied natural gas (LNG) sale and purchase agreement. The agreement involves the offtake from Train 4 at the Rio Grande LNG facility located at the Port of Brownsville, Texas. Under the terms of the HoA, Aramco plans to purchase 1.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of LNG over 20 years, with the pricing indexed to Henry Hub and delivered on a free-on-board basis. Both parties are currently negotiating a binding agreement, contingent upon a positive final investment decision regarding Train 4.
Nasir K. Al-Naimi, President of Aramco Upstream, expressed enthusiasm about finalizing the long-term LNG offtake agreement, noting, “We expect LNG to play an important role in meeting the rising demand for secure and efficient energy as we aim to expand our presence in international energy markets.” Matt Schatzman, Chairman and CEO of NextDecade, also commented on the development, stating, “We are pleased to have reached a Heads of Agreement with Aramco as they seek to expand their LNG portfolio. We anticipate finalizing the LNG SPA with Aramco and exploring further collaborative opportunities.”
The agreement between Aramco and NextDecade Corporation marks a significant step towards meeting the demand for LNG in international energy markets. The 20-year LNG sale and purchase agreement will see Aramco purchase 1.2 million tonnes per annum of LNG from the Rio Grande LNG facility in Texas. The pricing of the LNG will be indexed to Henry Hub and delivered on a free-on-board basis, providing a secure and efficient source of energy for Aramco as they expand their presence in the global energy market.
Nasir K. Al-Naimi, President of Aramco Upstream, highlighted the importance of LNG in meeting the rising demand for energy, emphasizing the role it will play in securing a stable and efficient energy source for the future. The agreement with NextDecade Corporation represents a strategic move for Aramco to expand its LNG portfolio and strengthen its position in the international energy market. The negotiation of a binding agreement is contingent upon a positive final investment decision regarding Train 4, indicating a commitment from both parties to move forward with the agreement.
Matt Schatzman, Chairman and CEO of NextDecade, expressed optimism about the collaboration with Aramco and the potential for further opportunities to work together in the future. The agreement with Aramco represents a significant milestone for NextDecade Corporation as they seek to grow their LNG business and establish themselves as a key player in the global energy market. By finalizing the LNG SPA with Aramco, NextDecade Corporation aims to create a long-term partnership that will benefit both companies and contribute positively to the energy industry as a whole.
Overall, the agreement between Aramco and NextDecade Corporation signals a positive development for the LNG industry, with both parties working together to address the growing demand for secure and efficient energy sources. The 20-year LNG sale and purchase agreement lays the foundation for a long-term partnership that will benefit both companies and contribute to the expansion of LNG markets worldwide. With the negotiation of a binding agreement underway, Aramco and NextDecade Corporation are poised to solidify their collaboration and explore further opportunities for growth and innovation in the energy sector.