Cheniere Energy Seeks FERC Approval for 24 mtpa Corpus Christi LNG Facility
Cheniere Energy applied to FERC for a 24 million metric tonnes per annum LNG plant in Corpus Christi, Texas. The proposed facility would expand the company’s export capacity at its Gulf Coast terminal by roughly one-third.
1. Cheniere Files for 24 Mtpa LNG Expansion in Texas
Cheniere Energy, the U.S.'s leading LNG exporter, has formally submitted an application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to construct a new liquefied natural gas plant at its Corpus Christi terminal. The proposal envisions an additional 24 million metric tonnes per annum of export capacity, which would require the installation of two mid-scale liquefaction trains, associated storage tanks and a dedicated marine berth capable of accommodating Q-Flex vessels. If approved, the project could add more than 340 million cubic feet per day of export volume, supporting Cheniere’s goal of increasing total capacity to over 60 Mtpa by 2028. Construction is slated to begin in late 2024, with first gas expected in 2027.
2. Uniper Executive Stresses Contractual Flexibility and Supply Diversification
A senior Uniper official acknowledged Europe’s growing imports of U.S. LNG but emphasized that utilities contract with private suppliers rather than governments. Highlighting that Uniper currently has long-term agreements covering 8 billion cubic metres annually from the Henry Hub index, the executive argued that portfolio diversification remains paramount. Uniper is evaluating additional volumes from Qatar and Norway to balance its exposure, aiming to reduce any single-source dependence below 30% of its overall procurement. The company is also expanding its floating storage and regasification capacity in Wilhelmshaven and Dunkirk to handle up to 20 TWh per year.
3. Eni Warns of Tight 2026 LNG Market on Supply Constraints and Rising Asian Demand
An Eni gas markets director cautioned that the 2026 global LNG market will be 'finely balanced,' driven by limited spare liquefaction capacity and persistently low European stock levels entering the winter. With European storage at roughly 50% of working capacity—down from historical averages near 70%—and Asian economies projected to require an additional 15 million tonnes year-on-year as China and India recover post-pandemic consumption, there is little headroom for supply disruptions. Eni forecasts global liquefaction utilization to exceed 90% by mid-2026, underscoring the risk of price volatility should weather events or unplanned outages occur.