The largest LNG supply expansion in human history is underway, and America is leading the charge.

As 2026 begins, the United States—already the world's largest liquefied natural gas exporter—is preparing to dramatically expand its dominance. Three massive facilities are ramping up or coming online this year: Plaquemines LNG, Corpus Christi Stage 3, and Golden Pass LNG. Together, they represent a fundamental reshaping of global energy markets.

The Scale of Expansion

The numbers are staggering. LNG exporters in the United States have announced plans to more than double U.S. liquefaction capacity, adding an estimated 13.9 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) between 2025 and 2029. The country already has 15.4 Bcf/d of capacity.

According to the Energy Information Administration, U.S. exports of LNG are expected to increase by 19% to 14.2 Bcf/d in 2025 and by 15% to 16.4 Bcf/d in 2026.

Globally, approximately 37 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of new liquefaction capacity is slated to come online in 2026, adding to the 51 mtpa that entered service in 2025.

Plaquemines LNG: America's Eighth Terminal

The eighth U.S. LNG export terminal, Plaquemines LNG in Louisiana, shipped its first cargo in late December 2024 after achieving production faster than expected.

Venture Global's facility represents a new model for LNG development:

  • Phase 1: 18 liquefaction trains with 1.3 Bcf/d nominal capacity (1.6 Bcf/d peak)
  • Phase 2: Expected to begin exports in September 2025
  • Total Capacity: 2.6 Bcf/d nominal (3.2 Bcf/d peak) upon full completion

Exports from the facility are already exceeding expectations, contributing to near-record LNG shipments that have averaged about 18.8 billion cubic feet per day so far in January.

Golden Pass: The Texas Giant

The 15.6 mtpa Golden Pass LNG facility in Sabine Pass, Texas—a joint venture between QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil—is preparing to launch what could be the largest single addition to U.S. export capacity.

Train 1 commissioning is accelerating, with first LNG production expected in the first half of 2026. At full capacity, the first of three trains could add around 800 million cubic feet per day in feed gas demand.

"At this point, we're looking more at the back half of the first quarter, but it could be as late as the first half of Q2."

— Industry analyst on Golden Pass timeline

The project has faced delays of about 12 months due to labor, contractor, and construction issues, but remains on track to transform America's export profile this year.

Market Implications

The surge in export capacity is reshaping natural gas markets in several ways:

Price Pressure

Henry Hub natural gas prices are expected to average just under $3.50 per MMBtu in 2026, a 2% decrease from 2025. The EIA has lowered its Q1 2026 price forecast to $3.38/MMBtu from $4.35/MMBtu last month, partly reflecting the supply surge.

Global LNG Glut

The commissioning of new capacity from 2026 to 2028 is expected to create the largest LNG supply expansion ever. This could pressure global prices and reshape trade flows, particularly affecting European buyers who have relied on U.S. cargoes since the disruption of Russian supplies.

Energy Security

For U.S. allies, expanded American LNG capacity provides energy security benefits. The ability to source reliable gas from a friendly nation reduces dependence on potentially hostile suppliers.

Investment Opportunities

The LNG expansion creates opportunities across the energy value chain:

  • Pipeline Operators: Companies with infrastructure feeding export terminals benefit from increased throughput
  • Producers: Gas-focused E&P companies in key basins like the Permian and Haynesville see expanded demand
  • Equipment Suppliers: Firms providing liquefaction technology and construction services
  • Shipping: LNG tanker owners benefit from increased cargo volumes

The 2027 Outlook

While 2026 brings significant expansion, the real tightening may come in 2027. The EIA expects Henry Hub prices to rise 33% in 2027 to almost $4.60/MMBtu as market conditions adjust to higher export demand and slower production growth.

Several energy companies are already positioning for this future, evaluating opportunities to invest directly in gas-fired power plants and data centers that will drive incremental demand.

The Bottom Line

America's natural gas export revolution is accelerating. The combination of Plaquemines, Golden Pass, and Corpus Christi Stage 3 coming online represents a transformational moment for both U.S. energy policy and global markets.

For investors, the opportunity lies in identifying the beneficiaries of this expansion while managing the near-term price pressure that increased supply will create. The companies best positioned are those with low-cost production, strategic infrastructure assets, and the patience to wait for the market tightening expected in 2027 and beyond.

The LNG tsunami has arrived. The question is no longer whether it will reshape global energy markets, but how quickly.