Sempra LNG, a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), announced that Cameron LNG's second train of the liquefaction-export infrastructure project in Hackberry, La., has begun commercial operations under Cameron LNG's tolling agreements.

"We are excited that our first liquefaction project is nearing completion and we couldn't be more pleased that Cameron LNG is already contributing to position the U.S. as one of the top LNG-producing countries in the world," said Lisa Glatch, chief operating officer of Sempra LNG and board chair for Cameron LNG. "We are looking forward to achieving commercial operations of the third and final train of Phase 1 while maintaining the same remarkable safety record the project has achieved thus far."

Train 3 remains on track to start initial liquefied natural gas (LNG) production in the second quarter of 2020 and to commence commercial operations in the third quarter of 2020. The facility's first liquefaction train started commercial operations in August 2019.

Phase 1 of the Cameron LNG export project includes the first three liquefaction trains that will enable the export of approximately 12 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of LNG, or approximately 1.7 billion cubic feet per day.

Sempra Energy's share of full-year run-rate earnings from the Phase 1 project are anticipated to be between $400 million and $450 million annually starting in 2021 when all three trains achieve commercial operations under Cameron LNG's tolling agreements.

Cameron LNG is jointly owned by affiliates of Sempra LNG, Total, Mitsui & Co., Ltd., and Japan LNG Investment, LLC, a company jointly owned by Mitsubishi Corporation and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK). Sempra Energy indirectly owns 50.2% of Cameron LNG.

Sempra Energy is also developing four other LNG export projects in North America, including Cameron LNG Phase 2, which could include up to two additional liquefaction trains and up to two additional LNG storage tanks; Port Arthur LNG in Texas; and Energía Costa Azul LNG Phase 1 and Phase 2 in Mexico.

The successful development and ultimate construction of Sempra Energy's LNG export projects are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and there can be no assurance that any of these projects will be completed.

About Sempra LNG

Sempra LNG develops and builds natural gas liquefaction facilities and is pursuing the development of five strategically located LNG projects in North America with a goal of delivering up to 45 Mtpa of clean natural gas to the largest world markets, which would make Sempra Energy one of North America's largest developers of LNG-export infrastructure facilities.

Sempra Energy's mission is to be North America's premier energy infrastructure company. With more than $65 billion in total assets reported in 2019, the San Diego based company is the utility holding company with the largest U.S. customer base. The Sempra Energy companies' more than 20,000 employees deliver energy with purpose to over 40 million consumers worldwide. The company is focused on the most attractive markets in North America, including California, Texas, Mexico and the LNG export market. Sempra Energy has been consistently recognized for its leadership in diversity and inclusion, and sustainability, and is a member of the S&P 500 Utilities Index and the Dow Jones Utility Index.