Overview of New and Proposed U.S. LNG Export Projects

The United States is expanding its liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capacity to meet global demand, with several projects under construction or in planning. As of August 2025, U.S. LNG exports have grown significantly, but this article focuses only on projects that are not yet online. These include approved projects under construction but not operating, and proposed ones awaiting final investment decisions (FID) or approvals. Existing terminals already exporting LNG are excluded. Data is drawn from official sources like the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), with key approvals from FERC (siting and construction) and the Department of Energy (DOE) (export authorizations). The Biden-era pause on new DOE approvals for non-free trade agreement countries was lifted, allowing progress, but a 7-year export commencement deadline was rescinded in April 2025 for more flexibility.

Projects Under Construction (Approved but Not Yet Online)

These projects have received FERC and DOE approvals and are building, but have not started commercial operations as of August 2025. Delays in commissioning have pushed some start dates into 2025 or later. They represent about 8 Bcf/d of additional capacity.

• Golden Pass LNG: Operated by ExxonMobil/QatarEnergy JV, located in Sabine Pass, Texas, with a capacity of 2.4 Bcf/d (18 MTPA). Key dates include FERC approval in February 2017, DOE approval in December 2016, construction start in May 2019, and expected start in 2025. Latest updates: Start-up timing uncertain due to construction delays; first two trains planned for 2025, third in 2026. Potential for earlier or later ISD by 2-6 months affecting feedgas demand.

• Plaquemines LNG Phase 2: Operated by Venture Global, located in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, with a capacity of 1.35 Bcf/d (10 MTPA). Key dates include FERC approval in June 2019, DOE approval in May 2019, construction start in 2022, and expected start in 2025-2026. Latest updates: Phase 1 online since December 2024 (full ramp-up April 2025), but Phase 2 delayed; uncertain ISD could shift by 2-6 months, impacting 2025-2026 exports. Extended commissioning; long-term cargoes from 2026.

• Port Arthur LNG Phase I: Operated by Sempra, located in Port Arthur, Texas, with a capacity of 1.8 Bcf/d (13 MTPA). Key dates include FERC approval in April 2019, DOE approval in March 2019, FID in March 2023, construction start in 2023, and expected start in 2027-2028. Latest updates: Construction advancing with supporting pipelines (e.g., Louisiana Connector); no major delays reported; Phase 2 proposed for FID in 2025.

• Rio Grande LNG Phase I: Operated by NextDecade, located in Brownsville, Texas, with a capacity of 2.2 Bcf/d (17 MTPA). Key dates include FERC approval in November 2019, DOE approval in July 2019, FID in July 2023, construction start in 2023, and expected start in 2027-2028. Latest updates: Pipeline work ongoing (e.g., Rio Bravo system); Phase 2 in planning for FID 2025; environmental reviews complete.

Proposed Projects (Pending FID or Approvals)

These projects have varying levels of approval but have not started construction. Many aim for FID in 2025, driven by long-term contracts and global demand. They could add over 12 Bcf/d if all proceed.

• CP2 LNG: Operated by Venture Global, located in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, with a capacity of 2.7 Bcf/d (20 MTPA). Key dates include FERC approval in June 2024, with DOE pending (post-pause). Latest updates: FID expected 2025; commercial momentum with supply deals; costs up due to tariffs, but attractive for buyers.

• Port Arthur LNG Phase 2: Operated by Sempra, located in Port Arthur, Texas, with a capacity of 1.8 Bcf/d (13 MTPA). Key dates include FERC/DOE approved for Phase 1 (extension likely), proposed in 2023. Latest updates: FID targeted 2025; long-term deals signed; timing flexible for economics amid trade uncertainties.

• Lake Charles LNG: Operated by Energy Transfer, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, with a capacity of 2.2 Bcf/d (16.5 MTPA). Key dates include FERC approval in 2016, DOE re-approved in 2023 (after extension denial). Latest updates: FID planned 2025; greenfield site; benefits from rescinded 7-year deadline for extensions.

• Commonwealth LNG: Operated by Commonwealth LNG, located in Cameron, Louisiana, with a capacity of 1.3 Bcf/d (9.5 MTPA). Key dates include FERC approval in November 2022, supplemental EIS in May 2025, DOE approval in 2022. Latest updates: FID expected 2025; partnership with Glencore for 30% capacity; court-mandated NO2 emissions analysis completed May 2025.

• Louisiana LNG (Driftwood): Operated by Woodside Energy, located in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, with a capacity of 3.7 Bcf/d (27.6 MTPA). Key dates include FERC approval in 2019, DOE approval in 2019. Latest updates: FID targeted 2025; acquired from Tellurian; limited contracts (1 MTPA) but proceeding; Saudi Aramco potential stake.

• Corpus Christi Midscale Trains 8 & 9: Operated by Cheniere Energy, located in Corpus Christi, Texas, with a capacity of 0.7 Bcf/d (5 MTPA). Key dates include FERC/DOE pending. Latest updates: FID on track for 2025; 90%+ capacity sales required; disciplined approach amid costs.

• Rio Grande LNG Phase 2: Operated by NextDecade, located in Brownsville, Texas, with a capacity of 1.2 Bcf/d (9 MTPA). Key dates include FERC/DOE approved for Phase 1 (extension). Latest updates: Proposed for FID 2025; builds on Phase 1; supply deals in progress.

These projects could double U.S. LNG export capacity by 2028, boosting feedgas demand and global supply. However, challenges like tariffs, environmental reviews, and market uncertainty may delay FIDs or construction. Pipeline expansions (over 20 Bcf/d) are supporting these, focusing on Gulf Coast connectivity. For the latest, monitor FERC and DOE updates.