AIE Announces New Partnership with Squadron for Port Kembla LNG Project

Squadron Energy has become 100 per cent owner and operator of Australian Industrial Energy Pty Ltd (AIE) under a new partnership arrangement to accelerate the development of the Port Kembla Gas Terminal project.

Under the new arrangement, Squadron Energy has acquired the interests of previous project partners JERA and Marubeni.

Squadron Energy Chairman Michael Masterman said AIE is focussed on accelerating project development of the Port Kembla Gas Terminal.

“JERA and Marubeni have been excellent partners and have both indicated they remain open to future opportunities for targeted involvement in the AIE Port Kembla Gas Terminal project, including LNG procurement, and the development of an associated gas-fired power station,” Mr Masterman said.

JERA and Marubeni will continue with their substantial investments in Australia and will continue to actively explore for further investment options.

Squadron Energy is committed to the expedited development of the gas import terminal with the objective of having the capacity to supply 70% of NSW’s gas needs by late 2022.

Squadron Energy is a company of Tattarang – one of Australia’s largest private investment groups and owned by the Forrest family. Squadron looks to invest in a range of energy and related infrastructure businesses that facilitate the transition to a low carbon economy and ensure security of gas and electricity supply.

JERA Co., Inc., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a joint venture between TEPCO Fuel & Power, Inc. and Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. JERA is among the largest buyers of LNG by volume in the world and an investor and key buyer in leading Australian LNG projects including Wheatstone, Gorgon, Ichthys and Darwin LNG. Marubeni Corporation is a leading Japanese general trading company and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.