The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has projected a significant increase in North America’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capacity. Between 2024 and 2028, the capacity is expected to more than double, rising from 11.4 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in 2023 to 24.4 Bcf/d. This surge will be driven by the addition of 10 new projects currently under construction across Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
Key Developments by Country:
- Mexico:
- Two major LNG export projects, Fast LNG Altamira (0.4 Bcf/d) and Energía Costa Azul (0.4 Bcf/d), are expected to come online soon. Altamira is supported by U.S. natural gas via the Sur de Texas-Tuxpan pipeline, while Costa Azul will be supplied by natural gas from the Permian Basin. There are also proposals for additional west coast projects, totaling 4.5 Bcf/d, though none have yet reached a final investment decision.
- Canada:
- Canada has three major LNG projects under construction in British Columbia: LNG Canada (1.8 Bcf/d), Woodfibre LNG (0.3 Bcf/d), and Cedar LNG (0.4 Bcf/d), which together will add 2.5 Bcf/d of export capacity by 2028. These will be supplied with natural gas from Western Canada.
- United States:
- The U.S. is set to expand its export capacity by 9.7 Bcf/d through five major projects under construction: Plaquemines LNG, Corpus Christi LNG Stage III, Golden Pass, Rio Grande LNG (Phase I), and Port Arthur LNG (Phase I). First LNG production is expected by the end of 2024 from Plaquemines and Corpus Christi Stage III.
This boom in LNG export capacity will position North America as a key player in the global natural gas market, supported by the U.S., Canadian, and Mexican infrastructure expansions.
