Wojciech Wrzesien/Shutterstock Save for later Print Download Share LinkedIn Twitter US LNG export plant developers have been very busy so far in 2023, advancing three expansion projects that would add almost 40 million tons per year of capacity — equivalent to a Qatar-sized mega-expansion. And there is still a chance for more new projects this year, as developers ride the favorable trade winds in global gas markets in the aftermath of the Ukraine crisis. Cheniere got the ball rolling when it initiated permitting for a 20 million tons/yr expansion at Sabine Pass on Feb. 23. Venture Global then took a final investment decision (FID) — the first of 2023 — on a 6.7 million tons/yr Phase 2 expansion at Plaquemines LNG on Mar. 13. And most recently, Sempra took FID on the 13 million tons/yr Port Arthur LNG, Phase 1, on Mar. 20. The three leading US developers are each building overall corporate liquefaction capacity larger than that of most countries. Cheniere is targeting 90 million tons/yr of export capacity by the early 2030s. Sempra is targeting an export platform of 63 million tons/yr, including export terminals on both North American oceanic coasts. Venture Global is looking to end up with as much as 70 million tons of capacity. All three developers are seizing on brownfield opportunities. They are utilizing available land next to existing projects — with contractors on site — which helps keep costs lower while reducing the chance of regulatory and permitting issues.
