NextDecade Corporation has initiated the pre-filing process with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for a sixth liquefaction train (Train 6) and an additional marine berth at its Rio Grande LNG facility in Brownsville, Texas.
NextDecade Corporation announced a significant advancement in its multi-phased expansion strategy for the Rio Grande LNG facility, confirming on Monday the initiation of the pre-filing process with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for Train 6 and an accompanying sixth marine berth. The company projects submitting a full application for this substantial expansion to FERC in 2026.
This move follows a year of extraordinary development for the Texas-based company, which has successfully reached final investment decisions (FID) and commenced construction on the first five liquefaction trains at the Brownsville site. With an expected total potential liquefaction capacity of approximately 48 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) already under construction and in development across the current phases, the addition of Train 6 underscores NextDecade’s intent to cement its project as one of the largest LNG export terminals in North America.
NextDecade’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Matt Schatzman, highlighted the strategic importance of the early regulatory engagement. “With five trains now under construction at Rio Grande LNG and space at the site to potentially double capacity, we are intently focused on the next phase of growth for NextDecade,” Schatzman stated in the press release.
The pre-filing process is a critical early step required by FERC for new or expanding liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities. It allows the project developer to communicate with cooperating agencies and stakeholders to identify and resolve potential environmental and technical issues before the formal application is submitted. This streamlined, pre-application phase is designed to expedite the ultimate federal approval process, which involves a comprehensive review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
The entire Rio Grande LNG site, located near Brownsville on the north shore of the Brownsville Ship Channel, is designed to accommodate up to ten liquefaction trains, demonstrating the vast long-term potential of the project. Trains 6 through 8 are wholly owned by NextDecade and are cumulatively expected to increase the company's total liquefaction capacity by an additional approximately 18 MTPA once constructed and operational, bringing the total site capacity close to 60 MTPA if all are realized.
The company's focus remains on delivering secure and affordable energy, with a commitment to "reliable, cost-effective and lower-carbon energy to the world." This commitment is also being explored through a potential carbon capture and storage (CCS) project at the Rio Grande LNG facility, aligning with the growing global market demand for LNG with a reduced emissions footprint.
