LNG

China is preparing to list Yuan-denominated LNG futures on the Shanghai Futures Exchange as early as February in a bid to bolster pricing power of its state-owned LNG importers CNOOC, CNPC, Sinopec and PetroChina.

LNG exports from the United States are set to reach a record 10.7 mt in November, solidifying the country's lead over rivals Qatar and Australia. This marks a 40% jump in US exports, according to Kpler data, amid record loadings and a strong pull from European and Asian buyers stockpiling for winter.

ExxonMobil has been authorised to develop a $5.09 billion LNG terminal and adjacent gas-fuelled power plant in the Vietnamese port city of Hai Phong. The LNG import terminal is approved with a capacity of 6 mtpa, enough to fuel 2.25 GW of power generation capacity that is scheduled to start operations by 2026/27.

“The ships are ready, the fuels are missing,” Acceleron Industries summarizes the state of decarbonizing maritime transport. Investment is lagging as LNG offers higher returns than green hydrogen or ammonia.

The TTF needs to price higher at around €57/MWh for the balance of 2025– if European buyers want to succeed in attracting flexible LNG cargoes, as inventories are depleting fast. Reduced Norwegian pipeline gas flows could propel up TTF prices, analysts warn, as Europe lost its ability to further minimise power-sector gas demand.

2025 will see hydrogen gain traction as an alternative – potentially rival – fuel to LNG as the U.S. will become the leader in blue hydrogen production, while electrolysers made-in-China drive competition and spur investments in ammonia. Addressing the mismatch between FIDs and offtake contracts will, however, be crucial to scaling hydrogen for power generation and as a fuel for shipping.

PV Gas, part of PetroVietnam, has agreed with state utility Vietnam Electricity (EVN) to deliver LNG from Vung Ang regas terminal to the Quang Trach II power project. Unit II had been a 1.2 GW coal-fired power plant repurposed into an LNG-fuelled unit – in line with Vietnam’s 8^th national power development plan.

Construction of an onshore LNG import terminal at Brunsbüttel is more expensive than expected, forcing Germany to support it with another €200 million in federal funding – on top of the €740 million initially committed. Broadcaster NDR reports total costs now surpass €1,5 billion, instead of €1.3 billion, with private investors having to shoulder most of the overrun.  

Vires Energy, affiliate of A Brown Co., has walked away from plans to build a floating LNG import terminal in the Philippines. Instead, it seeks to source gas from third parties to fuel its 500 MW barge-mounted power project.