-
US races ahead of Qatar as top LNG exporter
The United States took the lead as the world’s top exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the first half of 2023, outpacing all other contenders, including Qatar, according to a recent report from the US Energy Information Administration.
While the United States has long vied with Qatar for the title of the world’s leading LNG exporter, Australia unexpectedly seized the second position this year, leaving Qatar in its wake, as per data by the French non-profit organisation CEDIGAZ.
Australia’s LNG exports in the first half of 2023 averaged 10.6 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d), while Qatar followed closely at 10.4 Bcf/d.
The EIA, a governmental authority with knowledge of the energy markets, pointed to the revival of operations at the Freeport LNG facility as a pivotal factor behind the US’ drastic growth, with a slew of other LNG projects on the horizon for the US Gulf Coast.
Drawing upon data provided by CEDIGAZ, dedicated to natural gas intelligence, the report reveals that US exports surged by 4% in the initial half of this year when compared to the same period in 2022.
The US now ships an average of 11.6 Bcf/d of LNG, outshining every other nation on the globe. It also said US LNG exports reached a monthly pinnacle of 12.4 Bcf/d in April, with Freeport LNG substantially boosting its LNG production.
Freeport LNG, the second-largest LNG export terminal in the United States, had a temporary shutdown following an explosion in June 2022. It only resumed shipping in February 2023 after extensive repairs and system upgrades. As per Freeport LNG’s management, the company is now planning to expand operations, potentially adding a fourth train.
The expansion is projected to increase their LNG export capacity by more than 5 million metric tonnes per annum (mtpa), raising the total export capacity to over 20 mtpa per year.
Share This
