The United States is gearing up for a massive expansion in liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, with plans to more than double its current liquefaction capacity by 2029, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). The agency’s latest report, which draws on its Liquefaction Capacity File and industry sources, reveals that U.S. exporters are on track to add approximately 13.9 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of new capacity over the next five years.
Currently, the U.S. holds the position of the world’s largest LNG exporter with 15.4 Bcf/d of operational capacity. This expansion will further solidify America’s dominance in the global LNG market as new projects under construction come online. The EIA emphasized that if these projects proceed as planned, the U.S. will play a pivotal role in meeting growing global demand for cleaner and more flexible energy solutions.
Beyond the U.S., LNG export capacity in North America is projected to surge from 11.4 Bcf/d at the start of 2024 to an impressive 28.7 Bcf/d by 2029. Canada and Mexico are also contributing to this growth, with plans to add 2.5 Bcf/d and 0.6 Bcf/d of capacity, respectively. Together, these North American projects will represent more than 50% of the global LNG capacity additions expected through 2029, as estimated by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
The rapid development of LNG infrastructure underscores North America’s strategic importance in the global energy transition. With demand for LNG rising across Europe and Asia, the U.S. and its neighbors are positioned to play a critical role in ensuring global energy security while advancing efforts toward lower-emission energy sources.