HOUSTON, TEXAS (Ian Silverman, Energy Analytics Institute, 14.Feb.2025) — Commonwealth LNG received a conditional non-free trade agreement (non-FTA) export authorization from the US Department of Energy (DOE). Commonwealth separately received its draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Both actions represent significant milestones in development of the company’s 9.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility located on the Calcasieu River in Louisiana near the community of Cameron, Commonwealth said 14 Feb. 2025 in an official statement.
“With these decisions in hand, subject to a FERC Final Order, which we expect in Jul. 2025, and DOE final authorization, Commonwealth anticipates reaching a final investment decision in Sep. 2025, with first LNG production expected in [1Q] 2029,” Commonwealth CEO Farhad Ahrabi said in the statement.
“Today’s actions demonstrate that president [Donald] Trump is prioritizing the American energy industry and we are both pleased and grateful to have achieved these important regulatory objectives,” Ahrabi said.
Kimmeridge Energy Management managing partner and Commonwealth chairman Ben Dell said the Louisiana export facility is expected to unlock $11bn in investments in Louisiana and an estimated $3.5bn in annual export revenue. The facility will utilize approximately 2,000 workers at the peak of construction and provide 270 high-paying jobs when the facility begins operations, Dell said in the statement.
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By Ian Silverman reporting from Houston. © 2025 Energy Analytics Institute (EAI). All Rights Reserved.
