Exhibit 99.1

Freeport LNG Receives FERC Authorization to Commence Construction

    HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 11, 2005--Cheniere Energy Inc.
(AMEX:LNG) reports that Freeport LNG L.P., in which it holds a 30%
limited partner interest, has received regulatory clearance to
commence construction of its 1.5 Billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d)
liquefied natural gas receiving terminal and associated pipeline. The
authorization granted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is
pursuant to and in accordance with Ordering Paragraph A and
Environmental Mitigation Measures 1 of the Commission's Order granted
June 18, 2004.
    Cheniere Energy Inc. is a Houston-based developer of LNG receiving
terminals and a Gulf of Mexico E&P company. Cheniere is developing
Gulf Coast LNG receiving terminals near Sabine Pass in Cameron Parish,
La., in which it holds a 100% ownership interest; near Corpus Christi,
Texas, in which it holds a 66.7% ownership interest; and near the
Creole Trail in Cameron Parish, La., in which it holds a 100%
ownership interest. Cheniere is also a 30% limited partner in Freeport
LNG Development, L.P., which is developing an LNG receiving terminal
in Freeport, Texas. Cheniere conducts exploration for oil and gas in
the Gulf of Mexico using a regional database of 7,000 square miles of
PSTM 3D seismic data. Cheniere owns 9% of Gryphon Exploration Company,
along with Warburg, Pincus Equity Partners, L.P. which owns 91%.
Additional information about Cheniere Energy Inc. may be found on its
Web site at www.Cheniere.com.
    This press release contains certain statements that may include
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts,
included herein are "forward-looking statements." Included among
"forward-looking statements" are, among other things, (i) statements
regarding Cheniere's business strategy, plans and objectives and (ii)
statements expressing beliefs and expectations regarding the
development of Cheniere's LNG receiving terminal business. Although
Cheniere believes that the expectations reflected in these
forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve
assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove
to be incorrect. Cheniere's actual results could differ materially
from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result
of a variety of factors, including those discussed in Cheniere's
periodic reports that are filed with and available from the Securities
and Exchange Commission. You should not place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this
press release. Other than as required under the securities laws,
Cheniere does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking
statements.

    CONTACT: Cheniere Energy Inc., Houston
             David Castaneda, 713-265-0202