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 from its project in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The decision was formalized through an amendment order signed by Secretary of Energy Chris Wright.
Once completed, the Lake Charles LNG 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, stated: “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.”
Lake Charles LNG was initially designed as an import terminal but is now being developed for exports. The company has recently entered into long-term contracts with major buyers such as Chevron and Kyushu Electric Power Company.
The United States leads globally in both production and exportation of natural gas. Currently, eight large-scale LNG projects operate nationwide, with additional facilities expanding or under construction. Under President Trump’s administration, approvals have been given for projects set to export over 13.8 billion cubic feet per day—surpassing exports from any country except one.
