EIA: LNG N. American exports to likely double

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicts North America’s LNG export capacity will more than double through 2027.

The EIA said LNG export capacity is likely to expand to 24.3 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) from 11.4 Bcf/d today as Mexico and Canada place their first LNG export terminals into service and the United States adds to its existing LNG capacity.

“By the end of 2027, we estimate LNG export capacity will grow by 1.1 Bcf/d in Mexico, 2.1 Bcf/d in Canada, and 9.7 Bcf/d in the United States from a total of 10 new projects across the three countries,” the EIA said.

Developers are currently constructing three projects with a combined LNG export capacity of 1.1 Bcf/d—Fast LNG Altamira offshore and onshore and Fast LNG Lakach, both located on Mexico’s east coast, and Energia Costa Azul, located on Mexico’s west coast.

Developers have proposed other LNG export projects for Mexico’s west coast, including Saguaro Energia LNG, Salina Cruz FLNG, and Vista Pacifico LNG, which would have a combined export capacity of over 2.7 Bcf/d. These projects would use relatively low-cost natural gas imported from the United States for LNG exports to Asian markets. However, none of these proposed projects has reached a final investment decision.

Canada. Two LNG export projects with a combined capacity of 2.1 Bcf/d are under construction in British Columbia on Canada’s west coast. Developers have scheduled LNG Canada, with an export capacity of 1.8 Bcf/d, to begin service in 2025, and Woodfibre LNG, with an export capacity of 0.3 Bcf/d, to begin service in 2027. Both export terminals will be supplied with natural gas from western Canada. In addition, the Canada Energy Regulator (CER) has authorized an additional 18 LNG export projects with a combined capacity of 29 Bcf/d.

United States. Five LNG export projects are currently under construction with a combined 9.7 Bcf/d of LNG export capacity—Golden Pass, Plaquemines, Corpus Christi Stage III, Rio Grande, and Port Arthur. Developers expect LNG exports from Golden Pass LNG and Plaquemines LNG to start in 2024.