Plaquemines LNG: A Historic Milestone in U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas Production

Venture Global announces the start of production at its second terminal, Plaquemines LNG, in Louisiana. This project, one of the fastest to achieve this critical milestone, marks a major advancement for the U.S. and global energy markets.

Partagez:

Venture Global, a key player in the energy market, confirmed on December 15, 2024, the start of liquefied natural gas (LNG) production at its Plaquemines LNG terminal, located in Port Sulphur, Louisiana. This terminal, with a nameplate capacity of 20 million tons per year (MTPA), achieved this strategic milestone just 30 months after its Final Investment Decision (FID).

With this record-breaking speed, Plaquemines LNG joins Venture Global’s first terminal, Calcasieu Pass, as one of the two fastest greenfield projects to reach production. Once fully operational, Plaquemines LNG will rank among the largest LNG production facilities in the world.

An Innovation and Speed Model

Plaquemines LNG’s success is built on a unique technical configuration and an innovative construction approach. Unlike traditional projects, this facility is already producing and exporting LNG while construction and commissioning of the 36 trains and associated infrastructure continue. This strategy allows Venture Global to bring new capacity to a global market strained for LNG supply.

The project progressed in two phases, with FIDs in May 2022 for Phase 1 and March 2023 for Phase 2. This modular and phased operational management enables quicker responses to growing demand while reducing commissioning delays.

Economic and Geopolitical Impact

The Plaquemines LNG terminal is part of Venture Global’s broader investment strategy, with current and future projects representing a $50 billion commitment. These projects aim to bolster global energy security while supporting local economies and creating thousands of jobs across the United States.

At the same time, this increased capacity helps maintain the United States’ position as the world’s top LNG exporter. Amid tight markets and delays on other international projects, Plaquemines LNG is a strategic asset in providing reliable energy to U.S. allies.

The rapid development of this facility also reflects shifting geopolitical priorities. Energy supply has become a central issue, particularly in response to recent global LNG market imbalances and challenges posed by international crises.

Nepal reveals a significant potential reserve of methane in the west of the country, following exploratory drilling conducted with technical support from China, opening new economic prospects.
Petronas formalizes a memorandum with JOGMEC to secure Japanese LNG deliveries, including a first cargo from LNG Canada scheduled for July at Toho Gas.
Belgrade is currently finalising a new gas contract with Russia, promising Europe's lowest tariff, according to Srbijagas General Director Dusan Bajatovic, despite Europe's aim to eliminate Russian imports by 2027.
TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy have won the Ahara exploration licence, marking a new stage in their partnership with SONATRACH on a vast area located between Berkine and Illizi.
After four years of interruption due to regional insecurity, TotalEnergies announces the upcoming resumption of its liquefied natural gas project in Mozambique, representing a $20bn investment.
The French group has acquired from PETRONAS stakes in several licences covering more than 100,000 km² off Malaysia and Indonesia, consolidating its Asian presence and its exposure to the liquefied natural gas market.
In response to rising summer electricity consumption, Egypt signs import agreements covering 290 shipments of liquefied natural gas, involving major international firms, with financial terms adjusted to the country’s economic constraints.
Egyptian fertilizer producers suspended their activities due to reduced imports of Israeli gas, following recent production halts at Israel's Leviathan and Karish gas fields after Israeli strikes in Iran.
A report identifies 130 gas power plant projects in Texas that could raise emissions to 115 million tonnes per year, despite analysts forecasting limited short-term realisation.
Japanese giant JERA will significantly increase its reliance on US liquefied natural gas through major new contracts, reaching 30% of its supplies within roughly ten years.
Sustained growth in U.S. liquefied natural gas exports is leading to significant price increases projected for 2025 and 2026, as supply struggles to keep pace with steadily rising demand, according to recent forecasts.
Shell is expanding its global Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) capacities, primarily targeting markets in Asia and North America, to meet rising demand anticipated by the end of the decade.
Above-average summer temperatures in Asia are significantly boosting demand for American liquefied natural gas, offsetting a potential slowdown in Europe and opening new commercial opportunities for U.S. exporters.
Duke Energy plans a strategic investment in a natural gas power plant in Anderson, marking its first request for new electricity generation in South Carolina in over ten years.
Adnoc Gas commits $5bn to the first phase of its Rich Gas Development project to boost profitability and processing capacity at four strategic sites in the United Arab Emirates.
The European Commission aims to prevent any return of Russian gas via Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 with a total transaction ban, part of its 18th sanctions package against Moscow.
Argentina expands its capacity around Vaca Muerta as Mexico explores the prospects of exploiting unconventional resources to meet its 2030 energy targets.
Petredec Group begins construction of a gas terminal in Chongoleani, Tanzania, scheduled for commissioning by 2027, to strengthen LPG import and logistics across East Africa.
The liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals market is projected to grow 67% by 2030, driven by global energy demand, liquefaction capacity, and supply diversification strategies.
Subsea7 has secured a subsea installation contract awarded by Shell for the Aphrodite gas project offshore Trinidad and Tobago, with operations scheduled for 2027.