Cheniere Applies to Construct Large LNG Plant in Texas

• The expansion would require 3.3 billion cubic feet of gas per day and add four LNG processing trains of 6 mtpa each to the existing Corpus Christi facility
• Cheniere currently has 52 mtpa of capacity with 8 mtpa under construction, while competitor Venture Global has 40 mtpa capacity with 28 mtpa under construction
• The U.S. exported 111 million metric tonnes of LNG in 2025 and has another 100 mtpa under construction for 2027-2030, raising concerns about potential oversupply by 2030

Cheniere Energy Files for Major Texas LNG Expansion

Key Development:

Cheniere Energy, the largest U.S. liquefied natural gas exporter, has applied to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to build a 24 million metric tonnes per annum (mtpa) LNG facility at its Corpus Christi, Texas location.

Project Details:

• The "Stage 4" expansion would add four new LNG processing trains, each producing 6 mtpa
• Project requires 3.3 billion cubic feet of gas per day
• Cheniere targets federal approval by May 2026
• If approved, total Corpus Christi capacity would reach 49 mtpa, up from current 18 mtpa (expanding to 25 mtpa by end-2026 with Stage 3 completion)

Market Context:

• U.S. exported 111 million metric tonnes of LNG in 2025 (LSEG preliminary data)
• Another 100 mtpa of U.S. capacity under construction, scheduled for 2027-2030 completion
• Industry concerns emerging about potential LNG oversupply by 2030

Competitive Landscape:

Cheniere is racing with Venture Global to become the first U.S. exporter reaching 100 mtpa capacity:

• Cheniere: Currently 52 mtpa capacity plus 8 mtpa under construction
• Venture Global: 40 mtpa capacity plus 28 mtpa under construction

Implications:

The expansion underscores aggressive U.S. LNG growth amid a more favorable permitting environment. However, the scale of planned capacity additions raises questions about market absorption and potential oversupply risks in the coming years. Success of this project would significantly strengthen Cheniere's position as the dominant U.S. LNG exporter.