Origin Energy Limited, nearing a final investment decision on the second stage of its Australia Pacific LNG (APLNG) project, has been reportedly pondering a A$1 billion ($985 million) share sale.

However, it is not clear if Origin Energy Limited will hold a rights offering or a placement, Reuters News reported, citing unidentified sources. All proceeds are expected to be infused into Origin's share of equity contribution on the APLNG project.

Depending on prevailing market environments and investor response, the sources intimated the share sale could commence as early as mid-June.

Just last week, Origin Energy Limited said the APLNG has signed for an US$8.5 billion project finance facility agreements with a group of local and international commercial banks as well as export credit agencies.

Reuters tried to get the reactions of Origin Energy Limited, as well as JPMorgan and Macquarie which, according to the sources, will handle the share sale as underwriters. All three business entities declined to comment.

APLNG is controlled by US major ConocoPhillips and Australian company Origin Energy at 37.5 per cent each, while the rest is owned by China Petrochemical Corp., or Sinopec Group.

Some $200 billion worth of proposed LNG export projects are in Australia's pipeline, with some 80 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG production being planned before the end of the decade.

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