Energy Dept Approves LNG Export Increase at Plaquemines Terminal

DOE Energy News

Published March 13th, 2026

Detected March 14th, 2026

Summary

The U.S. Department of Energy has authorized an immediate 13% increase in liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports from Venture Global's Plaquemines LNG Terminal in Louisiana. This approval allows for an additional 0.45 billion cubic feet per day of exports to non-free trade agreement countries.

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What changed

The U.S. Department of Energy, through Secretary Chris Wright, has authorized an immediate 13% increase in liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports from the Plaquemines LNG Terminal in Louisiana. This authorization permits an additional 0.45 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of LNG exports to non-free trade agreement countries, bringing the terminal's total authorized export capacity to 3.85 Bcf/d. This action is presented as a measure to strengthen global energy supplies and American energy dominance.

This is an administrative approval of increased export capacity for a specific facility. Regulated entities, particularly those in the energy export sector, should note this development as an indicator of ongoing government support for LNG exports. No immediate compliance actions are required for most entities, but companies involved in LNG export operations may wish to review their own capacity and market strategies in light of increased U.S. export potential. The document does not specify any compliance deadlines or penalties.

Source document (simplified)

Energy Department Approves Immediate Additional LNG Exports from Plaquemines LNG

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright today authorized an immediate 13% increase in exports at Venture Global’s Plaquemines liquefied natural gas Terminal in Louisiana.

Energy.gov

March 13, 2026

WASHINGTON— U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright today authorized an immediate 13% increase in exports at Venture Global’s Plaquemines liquefied natural gas (LNG) Terminal in Louisiana. Today’s signed export authorization allows additional exports of up to 0.45 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of U.S. natural gas as LNG to non-free trade agreement (FTA) countries from the Plaquemines LNG Terminal. With today’s order, Plaquemines LNG is now authorized to immediately export a total of 3.85 Bcf/d to both FTA and non-FTA countries, strengthening global natural gas supplies with reliable American LNG.

“At a time when Iran and its terrorist proxies attempt to disrupt the global energy supply, the Trump Administration remains committed to strengthening American energy dominance,” said Secretary Wright. “Thanks to President Trump and American innovators, the U.S. is not only the largest producer and exporter of LNG but will more than double its LNG exports in the coming years. We will see meaningful additions to U.S. LNG export capacity at Plaquemines immediately and other facilities commencing operations in future weeks and months.”

“Our mission to enable secure, reliable, and affordable energy has never been more important than now,” said Kyle Haustveit, Assistant Secretary of the Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office. “I am pleased that DOE can take this action to be able to make an immediate difference to help add to global supplies of LNG.”

Plaquemines LNG commenced exports in December 2024 and has rapidly been able to increase its export levels to over 3 Bcf/d. This authorization will allow for an immediate increase in the volumes of LNG that Plaquemines LNG can export to non-FTA countries, which import the majority of U.S. LNG.

Thanks to President Trump’s leadership and American innovation, the United States is the world’s largest natural gas producer and exporter. Since the President ended the previous administration's LNG export approval ban, the Department has approved more than 18.6 Bcf/d of LNG export authorizations—a capacity well in excess of the United States’ export capacity on President Trump’s Inauguration Day in 2025.

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