How will Esperanza Energy use HiLoad technology to bring the natural gas ashore?

TORP’s patented HiLoad LNG Regas technology enables a safe and cost-efficient offshore unloading and regasification operation. The HiLoad facility attaches directly and securely to any standard LNG carrier. The gas is then injected into an undersea pipeline that transports this supply to California gas consumers. Unlike some other proposed California LNG projects, TORP’s approach eliminates the need for extensive aboveground storage tanks or large marine structures required for berthing, storage and processing. <BACK>

What is HiLoad technology?

TORP’s pioneering technology for natural gas represents an innovative application of proven technology. The HiLoad floating infrastructure itself is a new and innovative design that has been proven technically feasible and operationally sound. The components involved in LNG transfer and regasification on HiLoad floating infrastructure are all industry-standard technologies that have a proven record of high reliability and safe operation for several decades around the world. <BACK>

Is the LNG receiving process environmentally friendly?

Esperanza’s goal is to site, design and operate the safest, most environmentally responsible and economically viable facility possible. Further we are committed not to just meet the environmental, public health and safety requirements, but to exceed them.

Technical and environmental experts have meticulously scrutinized each element of the Esperanza Energy LNG receiving facility. The facility is carefully designed to avoid the undesirable environmental impacts that exist in other proposed California LNG import facilities.

The project will install its water and natural gas pipes, along with communications and electrical lines, in a horizontally drilled tunnel buried deeply under the coastal zone and, ultimately, will avoid populated areas. The tunnel depth and protective conduit casing also safeguards the coastal environment.

Emissions from LNG supply vessels docking at the facility will be minimized through the use of natural gas in marine engines whenever possible. The project will also include three small, dedicated support vessels fueled with natural gas. <BACK>

How safe is the LNG regasification process?

LNG offers several safety advantages over other energy sources. In its liquid state, LNG is odorless and non-explosive. In the extremely remote event of an accidental LNG spill, unlike oil, LNG does not result in a slick, leave any residue nor require environmental cleanup. When LNG comes in contact with air or water it converts into a gas that quickly dissipates. <BACK>

Why is Tidelands proposing a new California LNG project? 

Tidelands and its subsidiary, Esperanza Energy, support California’s efforts to secure additional sources of natural gas to enhance future energy supply and reduce price volatility. Based on our initial technical assessment, Esperanza expects that its project will be the safest, most environmentally responsible LNG import facility on the West Coast. The project’s basic design characteristics avoid many of the environmental and safety concerns confronting other proposed California LNG projects.<BACK>

Why does Esperanza believe LNG imports are needed in California?

California is at the tail end of the national gas pipeline grid and, as such, is more exposed to potential supply disruptions and price volatility that may result from production declines from current American and Canadian gas supply sources. As California moves forward with plans to reduce its dependence on electricity generated from sources such as coal, natural gas will fill this gap until alternative energy sources become commercially available on a very large scale. <BACK>

Will importing LNG impact California’s goal of developing alternative energy sources?

Esperanza supports California’s goal of developing alternative energy sources and increasing its energy efficiency programs. Most experts agree that developing such sources and programs on a scale significant enough to maintain the State’s economic growth and prosperity will take more than a decade. Clean-burning natural gas offers the most economically practical solution for maintaining California’s economic prosperity for the near future. Esperanza’s project provides California with an environmentally sound method for diversifying its supply of natural gas by importing LNG.<BACK>

Who will be able to access the LNG regasification services of the Esperanza facility?

Access to regasification services at Port Esperanza will be open to credit-worthy buyers, such as electric and gas utilities, independent power generators, gas marketers and LNG suppliers throughout the state. The access would be available to those parties involved with other West Coast LNG projects whether or not these competing projects go forward.<BACK>

How might the LNG project in Baja impact the need for another LNG import facility in California?

Over time, increasing amounts of the natural gas from the Baja facility will be required to serve growing energy markets in Mexico, as well as serve high-growth markets in Arizona and Nevada. Relying on natural gas produced in Mexico and transported on long-distance pipelines to California markets is not a practical solution to the state’s needs. The current supply problem stems from the state being at the tail end of the national gas pipeline grid. The best answer to California’s energy needs is to have access to natural gas derived from LNG just a few miles from the Southern California pipeline grid and the region’s largest energy market centers. <BACK>