EDF begins construction of Dunkirk LNG terminal
EDF Group has commenced the construction of the Dunkirk LNG terminal. The Dunkirk LNG terminal is expected to be commissioned towards the end of 2015, Datamonitor reports.
The terminal will be able to accommodate the large LNG tankers and will have sufficient capacity for 13 billion cubic meters of gas per year, the equivalent of 20% of the annual natural gas consumption of France and Belgium combined.
According to the company, this project incorporates three main elements: work on the platform and marine infrastructure will be carried out by the Port of Dunkirk (Grand Port Maritime), the LNG terminal and connection facilities to the French and Belgian networks, to be developed by the operators, GRTgaz and Fluxys. EDF subsidiary, Dunkerque LNG (65% EDF, 25% Fluxys and 10% Total), is responsible for the project with a total investment for the terminal alone amounting to E1 billion.
With its three liquefied natural gas storage tanks, the terminal will offer the network increased flexibility to supply gas-fired power stations which are able to meet peak electricity demands, especially in the winter months. The site is set to employ up to 1,200 people in the Dunkirk area during the terminal development phase between 2012 and 2015 and during the operating phase, creating around 160 direct and indirect jobs. This infrastructure will also help revitalize port traffic with an expected increase in excess of 7%, the company said.
Henri Proglio, Chairman and CEO of EDF: "The Dunkirk LNG terminal strengthens the historical presence of EDF on the Dunkirk territory and contributes to the economic influence of the whole area. This project underlines the EDF Group's desire to develop a real gas platform, and is also backed up by the Group's takeover of the second Italian electrician and gas operator Edison, finalized earlier this year."