The Commonwealth LNG project has received a conditional non-free trade agreement export authorisation from the US Department of Energy (DOE) as the new US administration starts to deliver on pledges to accelerate LNG permitting and licensing to fuel growth.
Separately the project received its draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). These actions represent significant milestones in Commonwealth’s development of its 9.5 million tonnes per annum LNG facility in Cameron Parish, Louisiana.
“With these decisions in hand, subject to a FERC Final Order, which we expect in July 2025, and DOE final authorisation, Commonwealth anticipates reaching a final investment decision in September 2025, with first LNG production expected in Q1 2029,” said Commonwealth CEO Farhad Ahrabi.
“Today’s actions demonstrate that President Trump is prioritising the American energy industry and we are both pleased and grateful to have achieved these important regulatory objectives.”
Ben Dell, Managing Partner of Kimmeridge Energy Management and Chairman of Commonwealth, said Commonwealth welcomes the issuance of the draft SEIS by FERC and the Department of Energy’s informed decision and shares the Trump Administration’s vision for responsible energy diplomacy.
“These milestones advance our commitment to developing a state-of-the-art LNG export facility that will strengthen energy security for our allies, while prioritising environmental stewardship and creating lasting value for local communities,” he said.
The Commonwealth export facility is expected to unlock approximately $11bn in investments in Louisiana and an estimated $3.5bn in annual export revenue.
The facility will have five 50,000 cbm storage tanks and be able to accommodate vessels up to 216,000 cbm. Gas supply is via construction of a three-mile pipeline interconnected to two major pipeline systems with significant excess transportation capacity.
Commonwealth is pioneering an integrated wellhead-to-water strategy in partnership with its upstream operating entity to deliver what it claims will be low cost, low-emission gas to the global market. Its modularised engineering approach aims to streamline schedules and reduce capital costs.
Last week President Trump and India Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed their commitment to increase energy trade, as part of efforts to ensure energy security, and establish the US ‘as a leading supplier of crude oil and petroleum products and LNG to India, in line with the growing needs and priorities of our dynamic economies’.
Read more: India to buy more US LNG as IEW draws to close
Energy Dominance Council formed
President Trump has signed an Executive Order establishing the National Energy Dominance Council.
It will be established within the Executive Office of the President, chaired by the Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Vice-Chaired by the Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and comprises members of the cabinet and key government agencies.
The Council will advise President Trump on strategies to achieve ‘energy dominance’ by improving the processes for permitting, production, generation, distribution, regulation, and transportation across all forms of American energy.
It will recommend a strategy to cut red tape, enhance private sector investments, and advance innovation and seek to facilitate cooperation between federal government and domestic energy partners.
According to a White House statement, America’s LNG industry has played a critical role in reducing Europe’s energy dependence on Russia with exports rising 141% in 2022.
