Cutuco Energy to begin LNG and power plant works in El Salvador

Houston-based Cutuco Energy plans to begin phase one construction of its LNG and power project at La Union port in El Salvador in the first half of 2008, according to a company project update presentation.
Phase one would entail a LNG terminal with one 160,000 cm tank and a 525 MW combined cycle generation plant made up of two gas turbines and one steam turbine. Operations are scheduled to begin in 1H11. Phase two would see the terminal storage capacity increase to 320,000 cm and the installation of gas transportation infrastructure to industries and other generation plants.

El Salvador's environment and natural resources ministry in July issued the project's environmental permit and meetings have been held with the economy ministry to define requirements for the LNG terminal construction and operation permit application, Cutuco said.
The economy ministry is preparing and reviewing a proposal on a regulatory framework for natural gas. Potential clients also have been contacted in severalCentral American countries and regional power entities, including those behind the Siepac grid, have expressed support for the project, according to the company.