Venture Global announced on April 15 that its Calcasieu Pass LNG project has entered full commercial service, now exporting low-cost U.S. liquefied natural gas under long-term contracts. The facility achieved this milestone just 68 months after the final investment decision (FID), positioning it among the fastest greenfield LNG developments ever completed.
Context and Implications: Located in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, Calcasieu Pass is Venture Global’s first operational facility and a critical component of the U.S.’s expanding LNG export capacity. Its innovative modular design—comprising multiple mid-scale liquefaction trains—enabled the company to accelerate project delivery while navigating significant disruptions, including a global pandemic, two hurricanes, and power system challenges that required extensive remediation.
The project’s commercial launch is a boon for U.S. energy exports, particularly to Europe, as allies continue to seek alternatives to Russian gas. Its long-term contracts, priced at under $2/mmbtu for liquefaction, offer a competitive edge to buyers seeking stable and affordable supply for the next two decades.
Calcasieu Pass began producing LNG in early 2022 and has now transitioned into full-scale operations with a notable safety record that outperforms industry benchmarks. Its success strengthens Venture Global’s position in the LNG market, as the company continues construction on its Plaquemines LNG project—already producing LNG as of December 2024—and advances plans for over 100 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of total nameplate capacity.