According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), North America’s LNG export capacity is expected to expand to 24.3 billion ft3/d from 11.4 billion ft3/d today, as Mexico and Canada place their first LNG export terminals into service and the US adds to its existing LNG capacity. By the end of 2027, the EIA estimates LNG export capacity will grow by 1.1 billion ft3/d in Mexico, 2.1 billion ft3/d in Canada, and 9.7 billion ft3/d in the US from a total of 10 new projects across the three countries.
Developers are currently constructing three projects with a combined LNG export capacity of 1.1 billion ft3/d—Fast LNG Altamira offshore and onshore and Fast LNG Lakach, both located on Mexico's east coast, and Energia Costa Azul, located on Mexico's west coast.
Developers have proposed other LNG export projects for Mexico’s west coast, including Saguaro Energia LNG, Salina Cruz FLNG, and Vista Pacifico LNG, which would have a combined export capacity of over 2.7 billion ft3/d. These projects would use relatively low-cost natural gas imported from the US for LNG exports to Asian markets. However, none of these proposed projects has reached a final investment decision.
Two LNG export projects with a combined capacity of 2.1 billion ft3/d are under construction in British Columbia on Canada’s west coast. Developers have scheduled LNG Canada, with an export capacity of 1.8 billion ft3/d, to begin service in 2025, and Woodfibre LNG, with an export capacity of 0.3 billion ft3/d, to begin service in 2027. Both export terminals will be supplied with natural gas from western Canada. In addition, the Canada Energy Regulator (CER) has authorised an additional 18 LNG export projects with a combined capacity of 29 billion ft3/d.
Five LNG export projects are currently under construction with a combined 9.7 billion ft3/d of LNG export capacity – Golden Pass, Plaquemines, Corpus Christi Stage III, Rio Grande, and Port Arthur. Developers expect LNG exports from Golden Pass LNG and Plaquemines LNG to start in 2024.