The company Next Decade has chosen ABB as the automation and electrical partner for its Rio Grande LNG project in South Texas. Next Decade is using a "low cost, lower risk development strategy" for the project as well as leveraging Rio Grande LNG"s optimal South Texas location. The company is aiming for the automation of plant control systems to optimize plant performance and efficiency.

According to ABB Americas Region president Greg Scheu, the company offers digital solutions that give customers access to "best-practice bench marking, and transparency into operations, to improve operational performance, efficiency and productivity." The company said in a press release that it would fully utilise its major projects execution centre in Houston in its work on the Rio Grande facility.

The proposed Rio Grande LNG facility will be located on a 984-acre site on the Brownsville Ship Channel in South Texas. It's expected to have a capacity of 27 mtpa and will be constructed in phases timed to meet market demand. A pipeline called the Rio Bravo Pipeline is planned to supply the facility with feedgas. When it's completed, the pipeline will extend the approximately 137 miles between the Rio Grande facility and the Agua Dulce natural gas supply area. Rio Grande LNG is currently in the advanced stages of the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission review and permitting process.