The U.S. Department of Energy has granted Lake Charles LNG Export Company, LLC more time to begin exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) to countries without free trade agreements with the United States. The decision was formalized by Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, who signed an amendment order extending the commencement deadline for exports from the Lake Charles LNG project in Louisiana.
Once construction is complete, the Lake Charles facility will have the capacity to export up to 2.33 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas as LNG.
“On the heels of President Trump’s historic trade negotiations, demand for secure, reliable American LNG is surging,” said Secretary Wright. “The Department of Energy is ensuring companies like Lake Charles LNG are prepared meet this global demand while advancing commonsense policies that support American jobs and lower energy costs here at home.”
Tala Goudarzi, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, added: “Granting this commencement extension furthers the Trump Administration’s priority of unleashing American Energy, a radical shift from the last administration, whose actions undermined the progress of Lake Charles LNG for years.”
Originally designed as an import terminal, Lake Charles LNG is being converted into an export facility. The company recently entered into several long-term supply agreements with major partners such as Chevron and Kyushu Electric Power Company.
The United States leads globally in both production and exportation of natural gas. There are eight large-scale LNG projects currently operating nationwide, with more under development or expansion. Under President Trump’s administration, approvals have been given for projects expected to export over 13.8 billion cubic feet per day—an amount surpassing that exported by any country except one.
