The U.S. Department of Energy extended the terms of seven long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) export authorizations through 2050.
This action follows through on the DOE policy statement released in July this year that allows the extension of long-term exports to non-free trade agreement countries.
DOE granted the first seven applications submitted under the new policy to companies with export terminals located or proposed in Louisiana, Maryland, and Texas.
These include Venture Global’s Calcasieu Pass and Plaquemines LNG, as well as NextDecade’s Rio Grande LNG project.
Dominion’s Cove Point LNG and Cheniere’s Corpus Christi Liquefaction Stage III also received extension.
Furthermore, DOE granted the extension to the Freeport three-train facility as well as the proposed fourth-train expansion.
In addition to allowing existing non-FTA authorization holders to apply for the permit, the DOE policy also allows current applicants to amend their pending non-FTA applications to request an export term through 2050.
The United States is the top global producer of natural gas and is currently in its fourth consecutive year as a net exporter of natural gas.
To date, U.S. LNG exports have reached 38 countries across five continents, according to DOE.
