LNG exports expected to double by end of 2019

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) is projecting liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capacity will reach 8.9 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) by the end of 2019.

EIA officials said the estimation would place the capacity level as the third largest in the world behind Australia and Qatar. America’s current LNG export capacity stands at 3.6 Bcf/d and is expected to end the year at 4.9 Bcf/d.

The United States began exporting LNG from the lower 48 states in February 2016, when the Sabine Pass Liquefaction Terminal in Louisiana shipped its first cargo. Sabine Pass later expanded from one to four operating liquefaction trains while the Cove Point LNG export facility began operation in Maryland. Two more trains — Sabine Pass Train 5 and Corpus Christi LNG Train 1 — began LNG production this year.

Facilities at Cameron LNG in Louisiana and Freeport LNG in Texas, are currently being commissioned, with first LNG production from those facilities expected in the first half of 2019.

Officials estimate Corpus Christi LNG’s second train is scheduled to be placed in service in the second quarter of 2019 and the final two trains of the U.S. liquefaction projects currently under construction, Freeport Train 3 and Corpus Christi Train 3, are expected in service in the second quarters of 2020 and 2021, respectively.

The latest information on the status of liquefaction facilities, including expected online dates and capacities, is available in EIA’s database of U.S. LNG export facilities.