Utility initiates commercial liquefaction project

Dominion Energy officials recently joined a group of supporters in celebrating the implementation of the utility’s commercial liquid natural gas liquefaction project.

“This is a momentous occasion for Dominion Energy – as it is for Sumitomo, GAIL, Tokyo Gas, Kansai Electric Power; the state of Maryland; and the United States of America, India, and Japan,” Thomas F. Farrell, II Dominion Energy chairman, president and Chief Executive Officer, said with regard to the Cove Point (DECP) LNG Liquefaction effort.

Officials said international business partners, as well as local, state and federal officials united with community leaders to commemorate the endeavor.

Farrell said ships are now delivering an American product to American allies, creating jobs and prosperity in Japan and India.

He said the utility is committed to minimizing the impact on the environment, neighbors and the Chesapeake Bay.

The facility’s construction began in October 2014, following more than three years of federal, state and local permit reviews and approvals. The construction of the facility cost approximately $4.1 billion, making it the largest construction initiative ever for Maryland and for Dominion Energy. It involved more than 10,000 craft workers with a payroll of more than $580 million.

The project created 99 permanent jobs at DECP in addition to providing more than $800,000 in grants and donations to local charities.