Venture Global has received authorisation from the US Department of Energy to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) to non-free trade agreement (non-FTA) countries from its Calcasieu Pass 2 (CP2) LNG project in Cameron Parish, Louisiana.
The approval was granted by US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright as part of the Trump administration’s broader strategy to expand American energy exports.
Secretary Wright said: “The benefits of expanding US LNG exports have never been more clear, and I am proud to be taking action to support the American people and our allies abroad with more affordable, reliable, secure American energy.”
The CP2 LNG project represents Venture Global’s third LNG development. It follows the Calcasieu Pass LNG facility, which became operational in March 2022, and the Plaquemines LNG project, which started exports in late 2024.
The Department of Energy’s order conditionally permits CP2 LNG to export up to 3.96 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of LNG to non-FTA countries.
According to the agency, exports from the facility are anticipated to contribute to the US economy, strengthen global LNG supply diversification, and enhance energy security for allied nations and trading partners.
A final order on the project is expected in the coming months.
The authorisation marks the latest in a series of LNG-related approvals issued since Donald Trump assumed the presidency, with previous approvals granted to Commonwealth LNG, Golden Pass LNG, and Delfin LNG, among others.
The expansion of LNG exports has also been accompanied by an increase in natural gas pipeline infrastructure, with approximately 8.5Bcf/d of new pipeline capacity recently completed in Texas and Louisiana to support delivery to export terminals.
Venture Global CEO Mike Sabel said: “CP2 LNG is a vital project for the US economy, balance of trade, and global energy security.
“We are grateful for the Trump Administration’s return to regular order and regulatory certainty that will allow us to further expand US LNG exports, which have consistently been found to be in the public interest across multiple Administrations.”
Earlier this month, Venture Global announced the launch of its final investment decision (FID) process for CP2 LNG. The initial phase of the project has already secured long-term sales and purchase agreements with several major buyers, including ExxonMobil, Chevron, JERA, New Fortress Energy, INPEX, China Gas, SEFE, and EnBW.
Discussions are ongoing for additional capacity, and construction activities have commenced offsite while regulatory approvals are being finalised.
In addition to CP2 LNG, the company recently announced plans to expand its Plaquemines LNG facility, located near New Orleans, Louisiana, with an investment of approximately $18bn.
