Sempra Infrastructure announced that ECA LNG Phase 1, located in Ensenada, Baja California, has successfully initiated liquefied natural gas production as part of the commissioning process prior to the start of commercial operations.
The announcement marks a significant advance for LNG export infrastructure in Mexico, bringing Energía Costa Azul closer to full operation in the coming months.
The facility will enable the supply of U.S. natural gas from the Pacific coast of North America to Asia and other markets in the Pacific Basin.
ECA LNG Phase 1 is designed as a liquefaction unit integrated into the existing Energía Costa Azul terminal, originally developed for LNG receipt, storage, and regasification.
First LNG Produced in Ensenada
The initial LNG production is part of the plant’s commissioning process, a stage in which systems are tested and stabilized before commercial entry.
Justin Bird, CEO of Sempra Infrastructure, noted that the production of the first LNG represents a significant milestone on the path to full operation, expected in the coming months.
According to the company, the project will deliver reliable and secure energy from the Pacific coast of North America to global markets.
Capacity of 3.25 Million Tons
The project consists of a liquefaction unit with a nominal capacity of 3.25 million tons per annum of LNG.
The facility is being developed by Sempra Infrastructure in conjunction with TotalEnergies, and has long-term sales and purchase agreements with TotalEnergies and Mitsui & Co.
ECA LNG’s location offers a logistical advantage over traditional routes from the Gulf of Mexico, as it allows access to Asia and other Pacific destinations without transiting the Panama Canal.
Commercial Operation to Follow
Sempra anticipates that Phase 1 of the project will achieve substantial completion in summer 2026. Sales under long-term purchase agreements would begin shortly thereafter, once the facility commences commercial operations.
The company is also developing a second phase at the same site, which could expand Ensenada’s role as an LNG export platform from the west coast of North America.
ECA LNG is part of Sempra’s infrastructure portfolio on both coasts, along with projects on the Gulf of Mexico and Mexican Pacific coasts.
Mexico Advances as LNG Exporter
The start of production at ECA LNG Phase 1 strengthens Mexico’s position within the international LNG market.
The commercial operation of the plant will be closely watched by the energy market due to its potential impact on cross-border gas flows, feed gas demand from the United States, and additional LNG availability on Pacific routes.
With this advancement, Sempra Infrastructure consolidates a key step towards the full operation of Energía Costa Azul and strengthens its portfolio of energy solutions aimed at secure, flexible, and competitive supply.
Source and photo: https://www.sempra.com/
