Venture Global’s Calcasieu Pass LNG facility set to achieve commercial operations in record time

Venture Global has announced that its Calcasieu Pass LNG facility will commence full commercial operations on April 15, 2025. The company has formally notified its long-term customers, marking a critical milestone in its expanding LNG export facility network.

Despite numerous challenges, including two major hurricanes, the COVID-19 pandemic, and unexpected manufacturing issues with heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), Venture Global has achieved its commercial operation date (COD) in under 68 months from its August 2019 final investment decision (FID). This timeline positions Calcasieu Pass LNG as one of the fastest greenfield LNG export facility projects ever completed.

How Will Calcasieu Pass LNG Impact Global Energy Markets?

The Calcasieu Pass LNG facility, situated in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, is designed to be a high-capacity LNG export facility, leveraging the United States’ abundant natural gas reserves. The site’s strategic location at the Calcasieu Ship Channel, near the Gulf of Mexico, provides deep-water access, proximity to major natural gas basins, and streamlined transportation routes for global buyers.

With an expected export capacity of at least 10 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of LNG, Calcasieu Pass LNG is set to play a pivotal role in strengthening the U.S. LNG industry, meeting growing international demand, and supporting global energy security. By providing low-cost LNG, Venture Global aims to stabilize supply chains, particularly for European and Asian markets, where demand for natural gas imports has surged due to geopolitical shifts and increased focus on energy diversification.

What Makes Calcasieu Pass One of the Fastest LNG Projects in History?

Venture Global’s success in expediting the construction and commissioning process can be attributed to its modular construction approach, a methodology that enables concurrent construction, testing, and commissioning of different facility components. This strategy has allowed Calcasieu Pass LNG to reach its COD well ahead of the industry’s traditional development timelines.

The company has credited the efforts of its construction and completion teams, vendor partnerships, and government regulators, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), for ensuring efficient oversight and regulatory compliance. These collaborations have enabled Venture Global to uphold safety standards while ensuring its customers receive the full 20-year contract term of LNG supplies at competitive rates.

How Will Calcasieu Pass Benefit Louisiana’s Economy?

The Calcasieu Pass LNG facility represents a multi-billion-dollar investment in Louisiana’s energy sector, bringing significant economic benefits to the region. The project has generated thousands of high-paying jobs, with over 2,100 construction jobs at peak, 130 direct jobs, and 300 indirect jobs supporting local industries. The long-term operational workforce will sustain a continuous economic boost to southwestern Louisiana, reinforcing the state’s position as a hub for LNG export facility developments.

In addition to job creation, the Calcasieu Pass LNG project has supported infrastructure improvements, business growth, and increased tax revenues. By driving U.S. LNG exports, Venture Global is contributing to the nation’s trade balance, ensuring that American-produced natural gas continues to strengthen global energy markets.

What Role Does Venture Global’s Plaquemines LNG Play in Expansion?

While Calcasieu Pass LNG approaches full-scale commercial operations, Venture Global’s Plaquemines LNG project has already reached a critical milestone with the departure of its inaugural commissioning cargo. In December 2024, the company loaded its first LNG cargo from the Plaquemines LNG facility onto its Bayou vessel, marking the beginning of large-scale LNG exports from its second major U.S. LNG export facility.

The Plaquemines LNG project, with a 20 MTPA nameplate capacity, is being developed in two phases. The project secured final investment decisions (FID) for Phase One in May 2022 and Phase Two in March 2023. Due to Venture Global’s construction model, the facility can produce and export LNG while construction continues, ensuring an accelerated launch schedule.

Since 2022, Venture Global has exported over 60 LNG cargos to Germany, reinforcing the U.S.-European energy partnership. The Plaquemines LNG project has emerged as a vital component in the global energy supply chain, particularly amid supply disruptions and growing demand for stable LNG exports.

Why Is Venture Global’s Expansion Critical for U.S. LNG Leadership?

Venture Global’s aggressive expansion is reshaping the U.S. LNG industry, positioning the country as a leading supplier of low-cost LNG to international markets. The company’s ability to accelerate project completion has strengthened the U.S. natural gas industry, ensuring that American LNG export facilities remain competitive in an evolving global energy landscape.

In addition to scaling production, Venture Global is integrating carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects at its LNG export facilities. This initiative aligns with global climate goals while reinforcing the sustainability of long-term LNG production.

By successfully commissioning Calcasieu Pass LNG and expanding Plaquemines LNG, Venture Global is setting new standards for efficiency, LNG project execution, and energy security. The company’s strategic growth reflects its commitment to delivering affordable, clean energy to meet rising global natural gas demands.