Global LNG export capacity under development 2024, by country

The United States is the global leader in terms of LNG export capacity, both under development and in the proposal phase. The annual export capacity under construction in the U.S. amounts to more than 270 million metric tons, whereas the export capacity in the proposal stage comes to around 75.5 million metric tons per year. Furthermore, the U.S. is among the countries with the largest LNG export capacity in operation globally. 

What is LNG?

LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to around minus 162 degrees Celsius, transforming it from a gaseous state into liquid form. This process significantly reduces its volume, facilitating transportation to consumer markets. Typically, LNG plants are located close to the sea, enabling export trading through shipping vessels.   

Growth of U.S. LNG exports to Europe

  Given the extensive network of pipelines connecting Russian gas producers and European consumers, LNG has traditionally played a limited role in European trade. However, the unfolding of the Russia-Ukraine war has shifted the focus of many government leaders toward alternative sources. Recently, LNG exports from the U.S. to several destinations have increased enormously. For instance, the Netherlands became the principal destination for U.S. LNG exports, receiving more than 588 billion cubic feet in 2023. Other European countries, including the United Kingdom, Spain, and France, are also prominent importers. Generally, the European Union's monthly LNG imports from the U.S. have experienced a substantial decrease compared to January 2022.