US Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright has just awarded the first major LNG project to export permit to non-free trade agreement (FTA) countries since President Trump repealed the Biden/Harris administration’s freeze on approvals. The recipient was Kimmeridge Texas Gas’ Commonwealth LNG, planned for Cameron Parish, Louisiana.
Once completed, the facility will be able to export over 1.2 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) of LNG or 9.5 million tons per annum.
In the authorisation, the DoE said it found that Commonwealth LNG exports were likely to yield economic benefits to the US, diversify global LNG supplies, and improve energy security for US allies and trading partners during the export term period through 2050. DoE is to issue a final order to Commonwealth LNG later this year.
US LNG exports are expected to reach record highs this year, averaging over 15 Bcf/d. These levels will be driven by record high US natural gas production of almost 105 Bcf/d, according to the EIA’s most recent Short-Term Energy Outlook.
President Trump upheaval of US energy politics also includes the re-opening of over 600 million acres of offshore federal waters for oil and gas development and formed an energy council, led by Interior Secretary, Doug Burgum. The move is aimed at maximising domestic energy output, underpin LNG exports and herald affordable fossil fuels for American industries and households.
