NextDecade’s Rio Grande LNG to Begin 2027 Production with Five Trains Underway
NEXT•NextDecade’s 1,000-acre Rio Grande LNG facility in Brownsville will begin production in early 2027, with three trains powering over 20 million households by early 2029. FERC’s approval of a seven-day construction schedule accelerates five of ten planned trains—half under construction—to reach capacity for 65 million households by 2036.
1. Rio Grande LNG Nears First Production
NextDecade’s Rio Grande LNG project occupies 1,000 acres along the Brownsville Ship Channel near the U.S.–Mexico border. After more than a decade of development—including legal battles, the founder’s passing and industry skepticism—the facility is on track to become Texas’s leading LNG export terminal.
2. Production Schedule and Capacity
First production is slated for early 2027, with three liquefaction trains expected online by early 2029, supplying gas for over 20 million households. The project plans 10 trains in total, adding roughly one train per year through 2036 to achieve output for 65 million households.
3. Regulatory Approval Accelerates Construction
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission granted permission for round-the-clock, seven-day construction with contractor Bechtel, fast-tracking work on five of the ten trains now under construction. This approval marks a significant acceleration aimed at meeting growing global LNG demand.
4. U.S. LNG Export Market Position
The U.S. has led global LNG exports since 2018, with capacity set to more than double between 2025 and 2030. NextDecade stands behind pioneers Cheniere and Sempra, positioning Rio Grande LNG to capture a larger share of energy-hungry markets in Europe and Asia.
