Maintenance Curbs U.S. LNG Activity

---

Written by Daniel Graeber for IIR News Intelligence (Sugar Land, Texas)

---

Summary

Feed gas supporting U.S. LNG exports are about 2 billion cubic feet below early-year records. Companies managing those terminals, however, are planning for expansions.

---

Regular Maintenance Means Lower Feed Gas Volumes

Regular maintenance is curbing the amount of feed gas supplying U.S. export terminals for liquefied natural gas (LNG), data show, though companies in their first quarter reports pointed to a series of expansion projects that ensure the nation remains the top exporter.

IIR Energy on Thursday reported that feed gas was at 17 billion cubic feet (Bcf), far lower than early-year records that exceeded 19 Bcf. According to Industrial Info Resources data, regular maintenance at the Corpus Christi terminal has suppressed volumes by about 700 million cubic feet per day, while Cameron LNG is down about 500 million cubic feet per day.

In service since 2018, Corpus Christi can handle about 2.4 Bcf/d in feed gas, and the plant includes some 16.9 million cubic feet of LNG storage. Situated in Louisiana, the Cameron facility can process 2.1 Bcf/d of natural gas into LNG, along with around 5.6 million cubic feet in storage. Industrial Info Resources is tracking 85 LNG projects across the U.S. that are valued at more than $355 billion of investment.

For more information, the Industrial Info Resources Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Oil & Gas Plant Database offer details--including schedules, key contacts and necessary equipment--in profiles of the Corpus Christi and Cameron plants.

The U.S. is the world leader in exports of LNG, helping to ensure global energy security since supplies were disrupted by sanctions imposed against major producer Russia in response to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Conflict that began with joint U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran in late February has left about 20% of the world's LNG trade trapped behind the Strait of Hormuz, while major supplier QatarEnergy said recently it would sideline exports until June because of damage incurred during the fighting.

Volumes in import-dependent Europe, however, appear to be recovering. Total gas storage was about 28% full as of April 6, but closer to 34% as of Wednesday, data from Gas Infrastructure Europe show.

By the Numbers

• 19+ Bcf in feed gas was the high so far this year
• 34% full for European gas storage

Growth Phase on the Horizon

The U.S., meanwhile, is primed for growth. On Thursday, natural gas developer NextDecade said it was working with engineering firm Bechtel to reach the first production of LNG from its Rio Grande facility.

Data from Industrial Info show NextDecade is constructing the facility on a 984-acre site that will support LNG production with feed gas from the Agua Dulce gas market hub, with access to the Permian and Eagle Ford shale basins. For more information, readers can consult a detailed project report.

"Phase I continues to track ahead of the guaranteed substantial completion dates for each train, early electrical commissioning of Train 1 continues, and we expect first gas into the facility in the second half of this year and first LNG production in the first half of 2027," said Matt Schatzman, the chief executive officer at NextDecade.

Elsewhere, Cheniere Energy said it was making progress on expanding one of its own facilities. Its Sabine Pass terminal is the largest in the U.S. It can handle 4.56 Bcf/d in feed gas, and the company is already planning for more. Data show the expansion could include as many as three new liquefaction units, along with a 55.6-mile natural gas pipeline. Readers can learn more from a project report.

The expansion, dubbed SPL, could be completed before the decade is out. Cheniere on Thursday said the expansion project would be carried out in a phased approach. A final investment decision is contingent on financing, commercial arrangements and regulatory approval.

The company said applications to U.S. federal regulators are pending.

Key Takeaways

• Corpus Christi, Cameron facilities undergoing maintenance
• Operators are making plans for expansions

---

About Industrial Info Resources
Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news, and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing, and energy-related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified, and verified plant and project opportunities. Across the world, Industrial Info Resources is tracking over 250,000 current and future projects worth $30.2 trillion (USD).