Latest news with #AlaskaLNGPipeline


Newsweek
a day ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Alaska Governor: Why the Alaska LNG Pipeline Matters for South Korea's Energy Security
Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. In his March joint address to Congress, President Donald J. Trump highlighted the strategic importance of the Alaska LNG Pipeline. "My administration is working on a gigantic natural gas pipeline in Alaska, among the largest in the world, where South Korea and other nations want to be our partner," he declared. "It will be truly spectacular. It's all set to go." The significance of the president of the United States calling out an individual LNG project during such an occasion was historic. It speaks to the critical need for the initiative that is receiving backing from both President Trump and Seoul. South Korea stands as a cornerstone of America's Indo-Pacific strategy, and energy cooperation presents an opportunity to deepen their alliance. Just as importantly, it creates a platform for collaboration on environmental innovation, especially in emissions reduction and clean energy technology, ensuring that our shared energy future aligns with climate goals as well as strategic ones. Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy delivers remarks to service members, first responders, and their families on the 22nd anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on September 11, 2023. Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy delivers remarks to service members, first responders, and their families on the 22nd anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on September 11, 2023. SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images Following President Trump's address, our two nations established a specialized working group during the Washington summit to examine Korean participation in the Alaska LNG Pipeline—demonstrating a serious commitment to this potentially transformative project. South Korea currently imports nearly 90 percent of its energy, making it the world's third-largest LNG buyer. It is important that the source of this energy comes from nations with the same democratic values and strategic vision that define the U.S.-South Korea partnership. Alaska's vast resources can provide a more aligned alternative. When democratic allies fuel each other's economies, both nations benefit from enhanced security and stability. With construction permits approved and development underway, the Alaska LNG Pipeline will connect the North Slope's substantial reserves—estimated at 35 trillion cubic feet—to tidewater, facilitating shipments across the Pacific. Recent geopolitical developments, from tensions in the Taiwan Strait to Russia's weaponization of energy exports, underscore the importance of reliable partnerships. Alaska provides a direct Pacific route that bypasses traditional chokepoints, offering Seoul a more secure supply line from a trusted ally. History shows that economic ties shape strategic relationships. The European experience with Russian energy has demonstrated the risks of dependency on unreliable suppliers. For South Korea, with its manufacturing-intensive economy and limited domestic resources, diversification represents a national security imperative rather than simply an economic preference. Our energy partnership has deep historical foundations. After the Korean War, American aid in rebuilding power infrastructure helped launch the nation's remarkable journey from devastation to becoming a technological powerhouse. The Alaska LNG Pipeline offers an opportunity to write the next chapter in this shared story of progress and cooperation. Thanks to the 2012 U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), the U.S. has already granted South Korea privileged access to American energy exports, including LNG. With the Alaska LNG Pipeline, this landmark trade agreement can transform from a theoretical framework into a powerful mechanism delivering real energy security for the Korean peninsula. South Korea brings exceptional strengths to this partnership. Companies like KOGAS possess world-class expertise in LNG operations, while South Korean engineering firms excel in energy infrastructure development. South Korea is also a global leader in environmental and emissions reduction technologies. As both nations work to balance energy security with climate responsibilities, collaboration on cleaner LNG production, carbon capture, and methane abatement technologies could ensure that this project supports environmental goals alongside strategic ones. Cooperation in these critical technologies would not only reduce the carbon footprint of LNG but also align with South Korea's broader climate ambitions—ensuring the partnership is resilient, forward-looking, and sustainable. A long-term, secure LNG supply paired with technology collaboration can provide Seoul with the energy stability it needs, while enhancing regional decarbonization and alliance cohesion. To maximize mutual benefits, both administrations should prioritize this project's advancement. The United States and South Korea share fundamental commitments to democratic governance and market economies. We have collaborated for decades to promote regional stability and prosperity. By securing a reliable, sustainable energy corridor between our nations, we strengthen these enduring bonds. As competition with non-democratic powers intensifies across multiple domains, strategic investments between trusted allies become increasingly vital. The Alaska LNG Pipeline is more than an energy project—it's a foundation for deeper economic integration, stronger security cooperation, and lasting prosperity across the Indo-Pacific. Governor Mike Dunleavy is the 12th governor of Alaska. The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.


Business Wire
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Glenfarne Announces Partnership With Worley and Commencement of Final Engineering for the Alaska LNG Pipeline
ANCHORAGE, Alaska & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Glenfarne Alaska LNG, LLC ('Glenfarne'), a subsidiary of Glenfarne Group, LLC, and majority owner and lead developer of Alaska LNG, a joint venture with the State of Alaska's Alaska Gasline Development Corporation, has selected Worley to undertake additional engineering and prepare a final cost estimate for the Alaska LNG Pipeline in sufficient detail to achieve Final Investment Decision for the Pipeline. This work has commenced and will utilize and supplement the extensive package of previously completed engineering work and update the cost of the pipeline. Worley has also been selected as the preferred engineering firm for the Cook Inlet Gateway LNG import terminal and project delivery advisor to Glenfarne across the Alaska LNG projects. 'The declining gas production from Cook Inlet risks Alaska's energy security, as well as U.S. national security and military readiness. Prioritizing the development and final investment decision of the pipeline is essential to solving the natural gas shortages which are already impacting the state,' said Brendan Duval, CEO and Founder of Glenfarne Group, LLC. Concurrently with the final engineering work, Glenfarne has launched a strategic partner selection process to partner with global companies that support Glenfarne's execution efforts and have complementary expertise to help deliver the Alaska LNG project. 'Glenfarne is pushing Alaska LNG forward with expediency engaging prospective strategic partners. We are particularly proud to be expanding our relationship with Worley to Alaska LNG from our existing partnership on the Texas LNG project. Worley is one of the world's largest and most experienced engineering and project delivery firms with a long history of success in Alaska,' Duval added. Worley has been supporting customers in Alaska for 60+ years, delivering engineering, logistics, procurement, fabrication and construction, operations and maintenance (O&M), and field services, including for many of the projects and clients on the North Slope. Worley's deep Alaskan relationships include teams in Anchorage and a jointly owned partnership formed in 1972 between NANA NORTH, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of NANA Regional Corporation - one of 13 Alaska Native Corporations created by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971, and Worley Services (USA), Inc. 'As a full project delivery company with a strong track record in Alaska and supporting LNG projects, we're honored Glenfarne has chosen Worley to help deliver the Alaska LNG project," said Mark Trueman, President Americas, Worley. "Our specialist team is well placed to support Glenfarne in moving this vital project forward, improving energy security for Alaska and the world.' The Alaska LNG Pipeline is an 807-mile 42-inch pipeline capable of transporting enough natural gas to meet both Alaska's domestic needs and supply the full 20 million tonnes per annum ('MTPA') Alaska LNG export facility. The pipeline will be constructed in two phases. Phase One will deliver natural gas approximately 765 miles from the North Slope to the Anchorage region. Phase Two adds compression equipment and approximately 42 miles of pipeline under Cook Inlet to the Alaska LNG Export Facility in Nikiski and will be constructed concurrently with the LNG export facility. Glenfarne anticipates a final investment decision on the Alaska LNG Pipeline in 2025. Glenfarne Group, LLC is the owner of Texas LNG, which recently announced that its capacity is fully sold out. A final investment decision is expected later this year. Glenfarne Group, LLC's other affiliates include the largest importer of LNG into Colombia and Magnolia LNG, a late-stage LNG export project located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Beyond LNG, Glenfarne Group, LLC owns 50 operating assets in the energy sector across five countries. Together with Alaska LNG, its permitted LNG portfolio totals 32.8 MTPA of capacity under development. About Glenfarne Group, LLC Glenfarne Group is a privately held developer, owner, and operator of energy infrastructure assets based in New York, New York and Houston, Texas, with offices in Anchorage, Alaska; Panama City, Panama; Santiago, Chile; Bogota, Colombia; Barcelona, Spain; and Seoul, South Korea. Through its subsidiaries, Glenfarne owns and operates 50 energy infrastructure assets through three core businesses: Global LNG Solutions, Grid Stability, and Renewables. The company's seasoned executives, asset managers, and operators develop, acquire, manage, and operate energy infrastructure assets throughout North and South America. For more information, please visit About Worley Limited Worley is a leading global professional services company of energy, chemicals and resources experts. With around 50,000 employees in 45 countries, we partner with customers to deliver projects and create value over the life of their assets. We're bridging two worlds, moving towards more sustainable energy sources, while helping to provide the energy, chemicals and resources needed now. Worley Limited is headquartered in Australia and listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: WOR).