Overview
The Jordan Cove Energy Project was a major infrastructure initiative proposed by the Calgary-based energy company Pembina Pipeline. The project centered on the construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal located within the International Port of Coos Bay, Oregon, in the United States. This terminal was designed to serve as a critical node for natural gas exports, utilizing the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline to transport feedstock to the facility. The proposal represented a significant investment in US energy infrastructure, aiming to connect domestic natural gas reserves to global markets via the Pacific coast. However, the project faced substantial scrutiny and opposition from various stakeholders, including local landowners, Indigenous Tribes, and commercial entities, with objections mounting since 2010. These challenges, combined with evolving market conditions and regulatory hurdles, ultimately led to the cancellation of the project in late 2021. The core components of the Jordan Cove Energy Project included the LNG terminal itself and the associated Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline. The terminal was planned to have a processing capacity of 420 MW, facilitating the liquefaction and export of natural gas. The Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline was intended to link the terminal to existing natural gas fields and infrastructure, ensuring a steady supply of feedstock. Despite the ambitious scope, the project never reached the final investment decision stage, remaining a proposed entity throughout its development phase. The cancellation marked the end of years of planning, environmental review, and stakeholder engagement.| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Entity Type | Gas Power Plant / LNG Terminal |
| Operator | Pembina Pipeline |
| Location | International Port of Coos Bay, Oregon, US |
| Primary Fuel | Natural Gas |
| Capacity | 420 MW |
| Status | Cancelled (Late 2021) |
| Associated Infrastructure | Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline |
Why it matters
The Jordan Cove Energy Project represented one of the most significant and contentious infrastructure proposals in the Pacific Northwest, illustrating the profound shift in North American energy dynamics driven by the shale gas revolution. As a major liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal, the project was designed to transform Oregon’s coast from a historical importer of natural gas to a key exporter, capitalizing on the abundance of domestic gas reserves unlocked by fracking. The scale of the investment was substantial, with the terminal itself valued at approximately 6billionandtheaccompanyingPacificConnectorGasPipelineestimatedat1.5 billion. This financial magnitude underscored the strategic importance Pembina Pipeline placed on the site within the International Port of Coos Bay, Oregon.
Regulatory Scrutiny and Opposition
The project faced intense regulatory scrutiny and widespread opposition, serving as a case study in the complexities of modern energy infrastructure development. Since its initial proposal in 2010, the Jordan Cove Energy Project encountered objections from a diverse coalition of stakeholders, including local landowners, commercial entities, and Indigenous Tribes. These groups raised concerns ranging from environmental impacts and water rights to the long-term economic benefits for the region. The prolonged regulatory process highlighted the challenges of securing consensus for large-scale energy projects in politically and ecologically sensitive areas.
Ultimately, the project was cancelled in late 2021, marking a significant moment in the energy sector. The cancellation by Pembina Pipeline reflected the cumulative effect of regulatory hurdles, legal challenges, and persistent community opposition. This outcome demonstrated that even well-capitalized projects with strong market rationales could falter under the weight of localized resistance and complex approval processes. The Jordan Cove case continues to influence debates on LNG exports, pipeline infrastructure, and the balance between energy security and regional stakeholder interests in the United States.
What were the technical specifications of the proposed facility?
The Jordan Cove Energy Project proposed a liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal located within the International Port of Coos Bay, Oregon. The facility was designed to process and export natural gas transported via the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline. The terminal's core infrastructure included two large storage tanks, each with a capacity of 160,000 cubic metres, to hold the liquefied gas before shipment. A marine berth was planned to accommodate LNG carriers for loading operations. The project aimed to facilitate the export of natural gas to global markets, leveraging the port's strategic location on the Pacific coast. The terminal's design focused on efficient loading capacity to handle the throughput from the connecting pipeline.
Pipeline Infrastructure
The Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline was the primary transportation link for the project. This pipeline was designed to be 234 miles long, stretching from Coos Bay, Oregon, to the California border. The mainline featured a 36-inch diameter to accommodate the required gas volume. The pipeline was intended to connect to existing natural gas infrastructure in California, integrating with the regional grid to source gas for the Coos Bay terminal. This connection allowed for the aggregation of natural gas from various production areas and existing transmission lines.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Terminal Type | LNG Export Terminal |
| Location | International Port of Coos Bay, Oregon |
| Storage Tanks | 2 tanks, 160,000 cubic metres each |
| Pipeline Name | Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline |
| Pipeline Length | 234 miles |
| Pipeline Diameter | 36 inches |
| Route | Coos Bay, Oregon to California border |
| Primary Fuel | Natural Gas |
The integration of the terminal and pipeline was central to the project's viability. The 36-inch diameter of the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline was selected to ensure sufficient flow rates to feed the LNG liquefaction and storage facilities. The connection to California's existing pipeline network was critical for securing gas supply. The two 160,000 cubic metre storage tanks provided the necessary buffer to manage fluctuations in gas delivery and ship loading schedules. The marine berth design supported the loading of large LNG carriers, enabling efficient export operations. The project's technical design reflected standard industry practices for LNG export terminals, focusing on capacity and connectivity.
How did the project's power generation plans evolve?
The initial conceptualization of the Jordan Cove Energy Project included a distinct on-site power generation component designed to provide baseload electricity for the liquefaction process. In 2009, Pembina Pipeline proposed the construction of the South Dunes Power Plant, a 420 MW combined cycle facility located within the International Port of Coos Bay, Oregon. This early iteration envisioned a separate power plant structure that would generate electricity to drive the refrigeration compressors and auxiliary systems required to convert natural gas into liquefied natural gas (LNG) for export. The 420 MW capacity was selected to match the energy demands of the terminal’s processing units, ensuring a dedicated power source independent of the broader regional grid.
Revision to Direct-Drive Configuration
By 2013, the project’s engineering and economic analysis led to a significant revision of the power generation strategy. Pembina Pipeline decided to remove the standalone South Dunes Power Plant from the proposal. Instead, the revised design integrated the power generation directly into the liquefaction train. The new configuration utilized gas turbine-driven refrigeration compressors, which would generate mechanical power directly for the compressors while also producing exhaust heat. This exhaust heat was then captured by on-site heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs) to produce steam for additional power or process heating, effectively creating a combined-cycle effect without a separate power plant building.
This structural change was driven by several operational and economic rationales. Eliminating the separate power plant reduced the capital expenditure associated with constructing and maintaining an independent facility. It also simplified the site layout within the constrained space of the International Port of Coos Bay. The direct-drive approach allowed for greater flexibility in managing the energy balance of the LNG terminal, as the gas turbines could be optimized specifically for the refrigeration load rather than general electricity generation. This evolution reflected a broader trend in LNG terminal design, where integrating power generation with process equipment improves overall thermal efficiency and reduces infrastructure complexity. The final cancelled proposal thus relied on this integrated system rather than the originally proposed 420 MW South Dunes Power Plant.
History of development and regulatory approval
The Jordan Cove Energy Project originated as a natural gas import initiative. In 2007, Pembina Pipeline Company submitted an application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to construct a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal within the International Port of Coos Bay, Oregon. The proposal sought to import natural gas via the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline. FERC granted initial approval for the import project in 2009, establishing the regulatory foundation for the infrastructure development along the Oregon coast.
Regulatory stability proved elusive. In 2012, FERC vacated the 2009 approval, effectively resetting the project's legal status. This decision prompted a strategic pivot by the operator. In 2013, Pembina filed a new application, repositioning the facility as a natural gas export terminal rather than an import hub. This shift aligned with broader North American energy trends, aiming to leverage domestic shale gas production for international markets. The proposal continued to face significant opposition from local landowners, Indigenous Tribes, and commercial entities, who had raised objections since 2010.
The regulatory process encountered a major hurdle in 2016. FERC denied the project's request for eminent domain authority, citing concerns over the use of this power to acquire private land for the pipeline and terminal. Pembina appealed this decision but lost the appeal later in 2016, further complicating the project's path to construction. Despite these setbacks, the project remained active for several years, navigating continued legal and environmental reviews.
In late 2021, Pembina Pipeline officially cancelled the Jordan Cove Energy Project. The cancellation marked the end of the primary development effort for the 420 MW capacity facility. However, legal proceedings did not immediately cease. In 2025, OA Partners LLC filed an appeal, keeping the project's regulatory history active in the courts even after the operator's withdrawal. This ongoing legal activity reflects the complex and prolonged nature of energy infrastructure development in the Pacific Northwest.
What was the public and political opposition to the project?
The Jordan Cove Energy Project faced sustained and multifaceted opposition from local communities, Indigenous groups, and political leaders throughout its development cycle. The proposal to construct a liquefied natural gas export terminal within the International Port of Coos Bay, Oregon, and the associated Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline, encountered resistance from landowners, Tribes, and commercial entities starting in 2010. This opposition significantly impacted the project’s timeline and permitting process, ultimately contributing to its cancellation in late 2021.
Indigenous and Local Community Resistance
Indigenous communities played a prominent role in challenging the project. The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians raised significant objections to the development. These Tribes, along with local landowners, contested the environmental and social impacts of the proposed infrastructure. The involvement of these groups highlighted concerns over land use and the potential disruption to local ecosystems and traditional territories. The persistent objections from these stakeholders were a consistent feature of the project's public discourse since 2010.
Commercial and Political Opposition
Commercial fishermen also voiced strong opposition to the Jordan Cove Energy Project. The proposed terminal and pipeline route posed potential threats to marine habitats and fishing grounds, leading to economic concerns among commercial fishing entities. Political leaders at both the state and federal levels supported these local concerns. Senator Jeff Merkley and Representative Peter Defazio were notable political figures who opposed the project, leveraging their positions to scrutinize the permits and environmental assessments. Their involvement added significant political pressure on the developer, Pembina Pipeline, and regulatory bodies.
Public Sentiment and Polling Data
Public sentiment against the project was quantified in a 2018 poll, which revealed substantial local resistance. The poll results indicated that 57% of respondents opposed the Jordan Cove Energy Project, while only 22% supported it. This clear majority opposition reflected the deep-seated concerns of the local population regarding the environmental and economic impacts of the LNG terminal and pipeline. The polling data provided empirical evidence of the public's stance, influencing political decisions and regulatory reviews.
Impact on Project Timeline and Permits
The cumulative effect of opposition from landowners, Tribes, commercial fishermen, and politicians significantly delayed the project’s progress. The objections led to prolonged legal battles, extended environmental reviews, and complex permitting processes. These delays increased costs and created uncertainty for Pembina Pipeline. The persistent resistance, underscored by the 2018 poll results and the active involvement of key political figures, eroded the project's viability. Ultimately, the sustained opposition was a critical factor in the decision to cancel the Jordan Cove Energy Project in late 2021.
Frequently asked questions
Why was the Jordan Cove Energy Project cancelled?
The decision by operator Pembina Pipeline followed years of sustained opposition and regulatory hurdles. The proposal faced significant objections from local landowners, indigenous Tribes, and commercial entities starting in 2010. These groups raised concerns regarding environmental impact, land use, and the economic viability of the infrastructure. The cumulative effect of these objections and the complex approval process led to the project's termination after more than a decade of planning and litigation.
Who owned and operated the project?
The project was proposed and owned by Pembina Pipeline, a Calgary-based energy company. Pembina acted as the primary operator and developer of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal. The company planned to construct the terminal within the International Port of Coos Bay, Oregon. Pembina was responsible for securing the rights and infrastructure necessary to transport natural gas to the site via the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline. As the lead entity, Pembina managed the stakeholder engagements and regulatory filings required for the 420 MW capacity project.
What was the route of the associated pipeline?
The natural gas for the Jordan Cove terminal was intended to be transported by the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline. This pipeline infrastructure was designed to link the LNG export terminal located in the International Port of Coos Bay, Oregon, to broader natural gas supply sources. The Pacific Connector served as the critical conveyance mechanism, moving the fuel from upstream fields to the liquefaction facilities. The route and construction of this pipeline were integral to the project's feasibility, allowing the 420 MW capacity terminal to receive the necessary feedstock for export. The pipeline's path through Oregon was a focal point for local landowner and tribal objections.
Is the Jordan Cove Energy Project still active?
The Jordan Cove Energy Project is no longer active. The operational status of the entity is officially recorded as cancelled. The cancellation occurred in late 2021, marking the end of the proposal to build the LNG export terminal and the associated Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline. Since the termination by Pembina Pipeline, the project has not resumed development. The 420 MW capacity facility remains unbuilt, and the International Port of Coos Bay site has not seen the construction of the proposed infrastructure. The project serves as a case study in the challenges of large-scale energy infrastructure development in the Pacific Northwest.
Summary
The Jordan Cove Energy Project represents a significant, albeit ultimately unrealized, chapter in the development of natural gas export infrastructure on the West Coast of the United States. Conceived by Pembina Pipeline, a Calgary-based energy company, the initiative aimed to establish a liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal situated within the International Port of Coos Bay, Oregon. The project was designed to process and export 420 MW of capacity, relying on the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline to transport natural gas from inland sources to the coastal facility. This infrastructure was intended to integrate regional gas reserves with global markets, leveraging the strategic geographic position of Coos Bay to facilitate maritime export routes.
Despite the ambitious scope of the proposal, the project faced persistent and multifaceted opposition from the outset. Since 2010, the initiative encountered substantial resistance from a diverse coalition of stakeholders, including local landowners, indigenous Tribes, and various commercial entities. These groups raised concerns regarding the environmental impact of the terminal and the associated pipeline, the potential disruption to local ecosystems, and the broader implications for regional land use and maritime traffic. The opposition was not merely localized but reflected broader debates over energy infrastructure development in the Pacific Northwest, highlighting tensions between economic growth driven by fossil fuel exports and the preservation of coastal and inland communities.
The cumulative effect of this sustained community opposition, combined with complex regulatory hurdles, ultimately led to the cancellation of the Jordan Cove Energy Project in late 2021. The decision marked the end of a prolonged period of uncertainty for the region, concluding a decade-long saga that had seen the project navigate numerous legal challenges, environmental assessments, and public hearings. The cancellation underscores the significant influence that local stakeholder engagement and regulatory scrutiny can exert on large-scale energy infrastructure projects in the United States. It also reflects the evolving landscape of energy development, where community consent and environmental considerations play increasingly critical roles in the viability of proposed gas export terminals.
See also
- REX American Resources: Corporate History and Energy Transition
- Riverstone Holdings: Private Equity in Global Energy Infrastructure
- New York City blackout of 1977
- US power plant carbon standards and clean air and health co-benefits
- Power plant controller for wind turbine generators (US Patent 11401917)