In the United States, ABB has been selected by Bechtel to expand its participation in the Rio Grande LNG (RGLNG) liquefied natural gas project, located in Brownsville, Texas. The new contracts cover plants 4 and 5 of the complex, thus consolidating the technological collaboration between both companies following ABB’s successful participation in Phase 1 of the development.
The RGLNG project, driven by NextDecade Corporation and built under an EPC contract by Bechtel, aims to reach a production capacity of up to 30 million metric tons per annum (mtpa). Phase 1 is under construction with an estimated operation date in 2027, while plants 4 and 5 are expected to come online in 2030 and 2031, respectively.
Advanced solutions for critical infrastructure
ABB will deploy a centralized automation platform that integrates the ABB Ability™ System 800xA® distributed control system, along with emergency shutdown systems, fire detection, and gas monitoring. This is complemented by an Electrical Control and Monitoring System that will provide unified visibility of the plant’s entire energy infrastructure.
Both solutions will be connected within the same platform, optimizing process and power control throughout the entire operational lifecycle of the facilities. This architecture contributes to a safer, more efficient, and reliable operation, which is key for an energy export infrastructure of this magnitude.
Modular approach and efficient execution
To streamline implementation, the company will also deliver prefabricated buildings housing critical control and electrical equipment. Deployment will be carried out under the ABB Adaptive Execution™ methodology, designed to optimize engineering workflows, standardize components such as servers and cabinets, and integrate digital tools and cloud solutions.
Key components and extended scope
In addition to the control platform, the company will supply medium-voltage drives, synchronous motors, transformers, motor controllers, and electrical switchgear. This combination of hardware and software ensures the total integration of processes and power under a single operational vision.
Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB’s Energy Industries division, highlighted that this scope extension is “a testament to the confidence in our integrated automation and electrification approach, bringing value to one of the most advanced LNG facilities in the world.”
Technology at the service of energy security
With this expansion, ABB reaffirms its commitment to global energy security, supporting an infrastructure that will provide liquefied natural gas to growing international markets. Its participation in RGLNG positions the company as a strategic player in the automation of critical facilities within the energy sector.
Source and photo: ABB