Experts who worked on Alaska LNG for decades say the $50 billion project is not commercially viable as currently structured. The lead developer puts the cost near $54 billion, but former federal coordinator Larry Persily argues that figure is too low. An 800 mile pipeline and CO2 removal could add billions more, and no binding long term purchase agreements have been signed with Asian buyers. South Korea is under pressure to invest, but its trade ministry says a viability review comes first. Analysts note that most LNG projects are built near the gas field, while Alaska requires major new infrastructure. Without firm sales contracts, project financing is unlikely to close. The article is worth reading because it separates diplomatic momentum from actual project economics.
