Calif.-based utility Sempra in 2009 launched commercial operations at its Cameron LNG regasification terminal on the Calcasieu Channel in La., becoming the first new facility of its kind to receive a FERC permit in more than 20 years. This followed an earlier proposal in 2006 to build an LNG import terminal at Port Arthur, Texas, that never got off the ground.

But now, there’s new signs of life for Sempra’s Port Arthur LNG ambitions in the shape of an export terminal that could well become one of the nation’s largest.

Reese Energy Consulting today is following the latest news from Sempra Infrastructure, which looks to make a FID early next year on its Port Arthur LNG export facility. Phase I of the project comes in at a whopping $10.5 billion to build a two-train gas plant with a capacity of 13.5 MTPA. A second phase is under development. With permit in hand, Sempra is locking down contracts with the newest from French utility ENGIE for 0.875 MTPA over 15 years. The company last week inked a 20-year agreement with U.K.-based chemical manufacturer INEOS for 1.4 MPTA from the project’s Phase I and 0.2 MTPA from Phase II. First deliveries are slated for 2027. ConocoPhillips last month not only signed up for 5.0 MTPA over 20 years but also grabbed a 30% equity stake in the project.