Global LNG export capacity under development 2023, 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 262 million metric tons, whereas the export capacity in the proposal stage comes to around 74 million metric tons per year. Furthermore, the U.S. is among the countries with the largest LNG export capacity in operation globally. By comparison, Russia’s project pipeline was around half the size of the U.S.

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, France became the principal destination for U.S. LNG exports, receiving more than 571 million cubic feet in 2022. Other European countries, including the United Kingdom, Spain, and the Netherlands, are also prominent importers. Generally, the European Union's monthly LNG imports from the U.S. have experienced a substantial uptick since September 2021.