North America’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capacity is set to more than double by 2028, reaching 24.4 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) from 11.4 bcfd in 2023, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). This significant increase is contingent upon the timely completion of projects currently under construction.
The EIA forecasts substantial growth in LNG export capacity across the continent. By the end of 2028, Mexico is expected to add 0.8 bcfd, Canada 2.5 bcfd, and the U.S. 9.7 bcfd, driven by 10 new projects being developed across the three countries.
In Mexico, two major LNG export projects are underway. The Fast LNG Altamira, located off the east coast of Altamira, Tamaulipas, will feature two floating LNG production units, each with a capacity of 0.199 bcfd. These units will be supplied with natural gas from the U.S. via the Sur de Texas-Tuxpan pipeline, with the first LNG shipment expected in August 2024.
The Energía Costa Azul LNG terminal, situated at an existing regasification site in Baja California, will have an export capacity of 0.4 bcfd. An expansion to 1.6 bcfd is planned for Phase 2, with natural gas sourced from the U.S. Permian Basin.
Several additional LNG projects are proposed for Mexico’s west coast, including Saguaro Energia LNG (2.0 bcfd), Amigo LNG (1.0 bcfd), Gato Negro LNG (0.6 bcfd), Salina Cruz LNG (0.4 bcfd), and Vista Pacifico LNG (0.5 bcfd), totaling a potential capacity of 4.5 bcfd. However, these projects have yet to secure final investment decisions or commence construction.
Canada is also expanding its LNG export capacity with three projects under development in British Columbia. LNG Canada, with a capacity of 1.8 bcfd, plans to begin exports from Train 1 in summer 2025. Woodfibre LNG, at 0.3 bcfd, aims to start exports in 2027. Cedar LNG, a floating LNG project with a capacity of 0.4 bcfd, is expected to commence exports in 2028 following its final investment decision in June 2024. All these projects will utilize natural gas from western Canada.
Additionally, the Canada Energy Regulator (CER) has approved four more LNG projects, including an expansion of LNG Canada, with a combined proposed capacity of 4.1 bcfd.
In the U.S., five LNG export projects are in development, with a combined capacity of 9.7 bcfd. These include Plaquemines (Phases I and II), Corpus Christi Stage III, Golden Pass, Rio Grande (Phase I), and Port Arthur (Phase I). The first LNG exports from Plaquemines and Corpus Christi Stage III are anticipated by the end of the year.