Venture Global Nears Full LNG Production at Plaquemines Plant Ahead of Schedule

Venture Global LNG is on the verge of fully commissioning its Plaquemines LNG export terminal in Louisiana, after requesting approval from the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to introduce natural gas into the final block of the facility by Thursday. Once approved, the company will be able to produce liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the entire plant—reaching its full capacity of 27.2 million metric tons per annum (mtpa)—well ahead of schedule and more than a year before long-term contract deliveries are set to begin.

Plaquemines LNG, now the second-largest LNG export facility in the United States, accounted for over 17% of total U.S. LNG exports in September, according to financial data firm LSEG. Venture Global, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, has aggressively expanded its operations by accelerating construction timelines and ramping up production during the commissioning phase. The company has been producing and selling LNG from Plaquemines on the spot market since December 2024, benefiting from higher short-term prices compared to long-term contract rates.

Venture Global’s strategy, however, has sparked controversy. Several long-term customers from its first LNG plant, Calcasieu Pass—also located in Louisiana—have taken the company to arbitration. Energy giants including BP and Shell allege that Venture Global delayed their contracted LNG deliveries to profit from higher spot market sales. The company maintains that technical issues, including a faulty electrical system at Calcasieu Pass, caused the delays.

The completion of the Plaquemines facility strengthens Venture Global’s position as the second-largest LNG exporter in the U.S., underscoring its rapid growth in the global LNG market. With global demand for natural gas continuing to climb, Venture Global’s ability to deliver ahead of schedule could significantly enhance its competitive edge and influence future LNG trade dynamics.