Golden Pass LNG gets more time from Energy Department

Golden Pass developers asked federal energy regulators in August for a three-year extension to complete construction of the project, saying that a change in primary contractors requires an extension until November, 2029.

Golden Pass LNG Terminal wins an extension of its export approval from the U.S. Energy Department.

The approval will grant additional time to begin LNG exports from the Golden Pass LNG Terminal, currently under construction in Sabine Pass, Texas.

The $10 billion Golden Pass LNG export project will add natural gas liquefaction and export capabilities to the existing terminal in Sabine Pass, Texas. This investment is led by QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil. Golden Pass developers asked federal energy regulators in August for a three-year extension to complete construction of the project, saying that a change in primary contractors requires an extension until November, 2029.

“Exporting U.S. LNG supports American jobs, bolsters our national security and strengthens America’s position as a world energy leader,” said Energy Secretary Chris Wright. “President Trump has pledged to restore energy dominance for the American people, and I am proud to help deliver on that agenda with today’s permit extension.”

The issuance to Golden Pass marks the third LNG-related approval from DOE since President Trump took office, following an export approval to Commonwealth LNG on February 14 and an order on rehearing removing barriers for the use of LNG as bunkering fuel announced on February 28.

“Golden Pass was the first project approved for exports to non-free trade agreement countries by DOE during the first Trump Administration, and it is gratifying that this project is so close to being able to deliver its first LNG,” said Tala Goudarzi, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management.

Golden Pass, owned by QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil, is set to begin exporting as early as later this year, and once operational, will become the ninth large-scale export terminal operating in the United States. Once completed, Golden Pass will be able to export up to 2.57 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of natural gas as LNG.