In August last year, Golden Pass sought a three-year extension from the US FERC to put its LNG export facility in Texas into service.
It also filed a request with the DOE/FECM for an extension of time under both its non-FTA and FTA export authorizations to start commercial operations from the LNG terminal facilities until March 31, 2027.
In October 2024, FERC granted Goldene Pass the extension to November 30, 2029, to complete construction of the project and make it available for service.
DOE now approved the Golden Pass request from August last year, extending the deadline for commencement of commercial LNG export operations from the Golden Pass LNG terminal by 18 months to March 31, 2027.
DOE said the issuance to Golden Pass marks the third LNG-related approval from the Department 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 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 US, DOE noted.
State-owned QatarEnergy owns a 70 percent stake in the Golden Pass project with a capacity of more than 18 mtpa and will offtake 70 percent of the capacity, while US energy firm ExxonMobil has a 30 percent share.
In November 2024, Japan’s Chiyoda and US-based CB&I reached a deal with Golden Pass LNG to complete the construction of the first liquefaction following the exit of Zachry Holding which filed for bankruptcy earlier the same year.
