Did you know that Energy Transfer is one of the world’s largest exporters of Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs)? Yes, you read it correctly! By exporting approximately 20% of the world market, we are firmly committed to supplying the national and international demand for NGL products.

What Are Natural Gas Liquids? Natural Gas Liquids, as known as NGLs, are hydrocarbons extracted from the natural gas production stream through the fractionation process into ethane, propane, butane, isobutane, pentane, pentane plus. All these byproducts contribute to various uses, such as fuel for home heating and cooking, vehicle fuel, and production of plastics.

Energy Transfer’s Mont Belvieu Complex is an integrated liquids storage and fractionation facility. Its eight fractionators heat the mixed NGL stream and separate them through a series of distillation towers. With the latest addition of Frac VIII that was put into service in the third quarter of 2023, Energy Transfer’s total fractionation capacity at Mont Belvieu is now over 1 million barrels per day.

Located 30 miles east of Houston along the U.S. Gulf Coast, the facility has strategic access to multiple NGLs and refined products pipelines including Energy Transfer’s Lone Star Express and Justice pipelines. It is also connected to the Houston Ship Channel trading hub as well as numerous chemical plants, refineries, and fractionators. It sits atop one of the world’s largest underground salt dome formations which can be used for NGL storage.

Energy Transfer’s leading position in natural gas liquids (NGL) fractionation at Mont Belvieu includes fractionators with state-of-the-art emissions reduction equipment. Ultra-low NOx burners, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) emission control systems, and Wet Surface Air Coolers reduce the overall emissions from the equipment onsite.

Quick Facts:

• Storage capacity of approximately 58 million barrels in underground/above ground storage capacity. 
• Current fractionation capacity of over 1 million barrels per day.
• Connectivity to more than 80 petrochemical plants, refineries, fractionators, and third-party pipelines.
• Includes truck and rail loading capacity.
  

Why are Natural Gas Liquids important? Natural gas liquids (NGLs) are a crucial component of thousands of our modern-day conveniences. They are used to create computers, nylon seatbelts, medical equipment, dry-fit clothing, toiletries, food packaging, and automobile parts.   Continued research and development in the advancement of these products contribute to safer and more efficient living. It is no coincidence that the demand for these products grows with GDP as they support a higher standard of living in both developed and emerging economies.