QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil achieve first LNG at Golden Pass, advancing $10B project toward 2026 exports and strengthening global energy security supply.
QatarEnergy, in partnership with ExxonMobil, has reached a significant milestone in its flagship Golden Pass LNG development in the United States, marking the project’s first production of liquefied natural gas. The achievement represents a major step forward for what is widely regarded as one of the most substantial foreign investments in the U.S. energy sector. Valued at more than $10 billion, the Golden Pass LNG terminal, located in Sabine Pass, has a planned production capacity of approximately 18 million tonnes per annum, positioning it as a key contributor to global LNG supply.
The commencement of initial LNG production, often referred to as “first LNG,” is a critical operational benchmark that signals the transition from construction and commissioning into the early phases of production readiness. This development sets the stage for the facility to begin sustained liquefaction operations, a necessary precursor to achieving stable output levels and initiating commercial exports. With this milestone achieved, Golden Pass LNG is now moving closer to dispatching its first cargo to international markets, an event expected to enhance global energy flows and reinforce supply security.
Speaking on the occasion, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, who also serves as Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs, highlighted the strategic importance of this achievement. He noted that reaching first LNG production is particularly meaningful given the scale of the investment and its significance in the context of U.S. LNG development history. According to him, the project’s entry into the operational phase comes at a time when energy security has become a central concern for countries worldwide, increasing the relevance of reliable LNG supply sources.
Al-Kaabi further emphasized that Golden Pass LNG is part of QatarEnergy’s broader long-term strategy to expand its international footprint. Over the past decade, the company has actively pursued global investment opportunities to strengthen its position in the energy market. The project also forms a core component of QatarEnergy’s previously announced plan to invest around $20 billion in the U.S. energy sector, first outlined in 2018. The progress now being realized at Golden Pass is seen as an early outcome of this forward-looking approach.
In addition to boosting supply capacity, the project is expected to support a more balanced and accessible global energy market, particularly as countries seek cleaner alternatives to traditional fuels. LNG is widely considered a transitional energy source that can help reduce carbon emissions compared to coal and oil, making projects like Golden Pass increasingly important in the evolving energy landscape.
Al-Kaabi also acknowledged the role of U.S. regulatory authorities in facilitating the project’s development, praising their cooperation and efficiency throughout the approval and construction phases. He expressed appreciation for the continued collaboration with ExxonMobil, describing the partnership as instrumental in advancing not only Golden Pass but also other joint initiatives around the world.
The Golden Pass LNG project is structured as a joint venture, with QatarEnergy holding a 70 percent stake and ExxonMobil owning the remaining 30 percent. The partners reached their final investment decision in February 2019, committing more than $10 billion to bring the project to fruition.
Looking ahead, the facility is expected to begin exporting LNG to global markets in the second quarter of 2026. Once fully operational, Golden Pass LNG will play a vital role in strengthening international energy supply chains and meeting growing demand for cleaner energy solutions.
