Suez to Build Chile LNG Terminal

Suez Energy International and copper producer Codelco plan to build and co-own the GNL Mejillones LNG regasification terminal in the Antofagasta region of northern Chile. The $500m project should be operational by 2012, with an initial output of 5.5m cubic meters, enough to produce 1,100 megawatts of electricity. The terminal already signed contracts for the sale of natural gas with copper companies Codelco, BHP Billiton, Collahuasi and El Abra. The project aims at guaranteeing gas supply security in the north of Chile, which is still affected by restrictions from Argentina.