Commonwealth LNG has secured its final non-FTA export authorization from the U.S. Department of Energy, clearing a crucial regulatory hurdle for its 9.5 million tonnes per annum liquefied natural gas facility in Louisiana.
Commonwealth LNG announced that it has received its final non-free trade agreement (non-FTA) export authorization from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), marking a key milestone in the development of its 9.5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility located in Cameron Parish, Louisiana.
This final export authorization follows earlier conditional approvals from the DOE and a recent final order from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which upheld the approval for the construction of the export facility. With these major regulatory milestones secured, Commonwealth LNG is moving steadily toward a final investment decision (FID) expected in the fourth quarter of 2025. The company anticipates the start of LNG production in 2029.
Commonwealth LNG’s Phase 1 development represents a major investment in the region, with an estimated capital expenditure exceeding $11 billion. Upon completion, the facility is expected to generate approximately $3.5 billion in annual export revenue. The project is also set to deliver significant economic benefits locally, including the creation of around 2,000 construction jobs at peak activity and approximately 275 high-paying permanent positions once operational.
Ben Dell, Managing Partner of Kimmeridge and Chairman of Caturus, emphasized the significance of the final non-FTA authorization, calling it a pivotal moment for the company. He highlighted Commonwealth LNG’s unique “wellhead-to-water” approach, which integrates upstream natural gas operations with LNG export capabilities. Dell pointed out that the project will supply responsibly sourced, low-emission natural gas to both domestic and international markets, supporting U.S. energy leadership and fostering economic growth.
Commonwealth LNG has already secured long-term, binding offtake agreements totaling 4 Mtpa with major global energy purchasers, including Glencore, JERA, and PETRONAS. The company is actively working to subscribe the remaining capacity of the facility. In August, Commonwealth announced it had contracted Technip Energies to provide engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services to build the LNG export terminal, further advancing the project.
Farhad Ahrabi, CEO of Commonwealth LNG, expressed gratitude for the DOE’s thorough review and final authorization. He noted that with all major regulatory approvals in place, the company is positioned to finalize its investment decision later this year and move forward with construction and operations.
Commonwealth LNG is part of a broader integrated natural gas platform being developed by Kimmeridge through its upstream operations under Caturus Energy and the LNG export capabilities provided by Commonwealth. This fully integrated approach aims to create a unique U.S.-based natural gas and LNG export platform that supports energy security and market growth.
