Breaking: Glenfarne seeks approval from FERC for early start on Alaska LNG

By THE ALASKA STORY

Glenfarne is taking another major step toward turning the long-discussed Alaska LNG Project into an active construction effort.

The Houston-based energy developer, through its subsidiary Glenfarne Alaska LNG, LLC, has filed with the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission seeking authorization to begin “early works” on the project’s natural gas pipeline component.

The filing, reported first Feb. 9 by LNG Prime, signals that Glenfarne is preparing to move Phase One of the project into on-the-ground execution as soon as this spring.

The Alaska LNG Project is designed as an integrated system to transport natural gas from Alaska’s North Slope to Southcentral Alaska and eventually to global export markets.

Glenfarne is the majority owner and lead developer through 8 Star Alaska, LLC, a partnership in which the State of Alaska retains a minority interest through the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation.

The project already holds key federal authorizations, including an original FERC approval granted in 2020. Additional permitting work has continued through late 2025 under the federal FAST-41 infrastructure permitting process.

Now, Glenfarne is seeking permission to begin early construction preparation along the pipeline corridor.

The early works request applies specifically to Phase One of Alaska LNG, which focuses first on delivering affordable natural gas for Alaskans before advancing to full liquefied natural gas export development.

Phase One centers on a large-diameter pipeline, roughly 739 miles long in this stage of planning, running from the North Slope to Southcentral Alaska, terminating near Nikiski. Phase Two would later add the liquefaction facility needed for LNG exports.

Glenfarne has structured the project into two financially separate phases in an effort to accelerate progress and ensure Alaska domestic supply comes first.

According to reports, Glenfarne’s filing includes a 119-page implementation plan outlining the types of preparatory work it hopes to begin once authorized.

The early construction activities would include:

• Approximately 20 construction camps

• Around 46 pipe storage sites

• Roughly 100 construction pads and staging areas

• Initial site access and logistical preparation

The company’s goal is to position the project for rapid mobilization once full construction approval is in place.

The proposed schedule described in the filing targets a fast-moving start:

• Early works beginning as soon as mid-April 2026

• Full mobilization expected in June 2026

• Major pipe installation targeted for November 2026

• Mechanical completion projected for 2028

• First in-state gas deliveries anticipated in 2029

While those dates remain dependent on regulatory approvals and financing milestones, they represent one of the most detailed construction timelines yet attached to the project.

The FERC filing follows Glenfarne’s Jan. 23 announcement of several major Phase One developments, including conditional construction awards to pipeline firms such as MasTec, Quanta Services, Michels Pipeline, and VINCI Construction.

The company has also moved forward with line pipe supply agreements, including with POSCO International, and selected Worley Limited for engineering, procurement, and construction management services.

In addition, Glenfarne has reported in-state gas supply and offtake arrangements, along with preliminary LNG export interest abroad.

Reports indicate the project has secured heads of agreement for roughly 11 million tons per annum in potential LNG sales to buyers in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand, commitments that would become more relevant under Phase Two.

No final decision from FERC has yet been announced regarding the early works request, as current coverage focuses on the application itself. Still, the filing represents one of the clearest signs yet that Alaska LNG’s pipeline component is moving from planning into the earliest stages of execution.