Trump relaunches Alaskan pipeline project for Asia

Donald Trump confirmed his intention to finalise a major pipeline project in Alaska, aiming to supply natural gas to Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea. The project, one of the largest in the world, could strengthen the region's energy supply.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

On March 5, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced his intention to relaunch a major pipeline project in Alaska, designed to deliver natural gas to Asia. In his speech before Congress, he stated that this project, among the largest in the world, would provide gas to Japan, South Korea, and other Asian countries. According to Trump, “everything is ready” for the launch, and his administration is currently in discussions to make the project a reality.

A project discussed with Japan

The pipeline project was first mentioned by Trump in February 2025 during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ushiba. On that occasion, Trump stated that Japan had committed to purchasing record amounts of U.S. natural gas. The American president emphasised that Alaska was the ideal starting point to deliver liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Japan, due to its geographical proximity. The project aims to strengthen energy cooperation between the United States and Asian countries, particularly concerning LNG supply.

An enhanced energy strategy

This initiative is part of a series of measures taken by Trump to increase hydrocarbon production in the United States. Upon his return to power, the president declared a state of “energy emergency” and signed an executive order to overturn the ban on new drilling in certain offshore areas, a decision made by his predecessor, Barack Obama. Alaska, in particular, was one of the areas affected by this ban. However, environmental groups have contested this move in court, arguing that Trump did not have the necessary authority to overturn these protections without Congressional approval.

Growing interest from Asian countries

Beyond Japan, several other Asian countries, including the Philippines, have expressed interest in receiving liquefied natural gas from Alaska. Trump indicated that these countries have committed to making “trillions of dollars” in investments each in the project. However, to date, no foreign government has confirmed these investments, and no specific details have been disclosed regarding the financial participation of the concerned countries.

Falling rig counts and surging natural gas demand are reshaping the Lower 48 energy landscape, fuelling a rebound in gas-focused mergers and acquisitions.
The Nigerian government has approved a payment of NGN185bn ($128 million) to settle debts owed to gas producers, aiming to secure electricity supply and attract new investments in the energy sector.
Riley Exploration Permian has finalised the sale of its Dovetail Midstream entity to Targa Northern Delaware for $111 million, with an additional conditional payment of up to $60 million. The deal also includes a future transfer of equipment for $10 million.
Stanwell has secured an exclusive agreement with Quinbrook for the development of the Gladstone SDA Energy Hub, combining gas turbines and long-duration battery storage to support Queensland’s electricity grid stability.
The growth of US liquefied natural gas exports could slow if rising domestic costs continue to squeeze margins, as new volumes hit an already saturated global market.
Turkmenistan is leveraging the Global Gas Centre to build commercial links in Europe and South Asia, as it responds to its current dependence on China and a shifting post-Russian gas market.
The Marmara Ereğlisi liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal operated by BOTAŞ is increasing its regasification capacity, consolidating Türkiye’s role as a regional player in gas redistribution toward the Balkans and Southeast Europe.
Budapest contests the European agreement to ban Russian natural gas imports by 2027, claiming the measure is incompatible with its economic interests and the European Union's founding treaties.
The European Union has enshrined in law a complete ban on Russian gas by 2027, forcing utilities, operators, traders and states to restructure contracts, physical flows and supply strategies under strict regulatory pressure.
The partial exploitation of associated gas from the Badila field by Perenco supplies electricity to Moundou, highlighting the logistical and financial challenges of gas development in Chad.
A new regulation requires gas companies to declare the origin, volume and duration of their contracts, as the EU prepares to end Russian imports.
Saudi Aramco has launched production at the unconventional Jafurah gas field, initiating an investment plan exceeding $100bn to substitute domestic crude and increase exportable flows under OPEC+ constraints.
By mobilising long-term contracts with BP and new infrastructure, PLN is driving Indonesia’s shift toward prioritising domestic LNG use, at the centre of a state-backed investment programme supported by international lenders.
TotalEnergies, TES and three Japanese companies will develop an industrial-scale e-gas facility in the United States, targeting 250 MW capacity and 75,000 tonnes of annual output by 2030.
Argentinian consortium Southern Energy will supply up to two million tonnes of LNG per year to Germany’s Sefe, marking the first South American alliance for the European importer.
The UK government has ended its financial support for TotalEnergies' liquefied natural gas project in Mozambique, citing increased risks and a lack of national interest in continuing its involvement.
Faced with a climate- and geopolitically-constrained winter, Beijing announces expected record demand for electricity and gas, placing coal, LNG and UHV grids at the centre of a national energy stress test.
The Iraqi government and Kurdish authorities have launched an investigation into the drone attack targeting the Khor Mor gas field, which halted production and caused widespread electricity outages.
PetroChina internalises three major gas storage sites through two joint ventures with PipeChina, representing 11 Gm³ of capacity, in a CNY40.02bn ($5.43bn) deal consolidating control over its domestic gas network.
The European Union is facilitating the use of force majeure to exit Russian gas contracts by 2028, a risky strategy for companies still bound by strict legal clauses.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.