US LNG permit extensions approved

The Trump administration has extended permit deadlines on two US LNG export projects.

First, on 5th March, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) approved a request from Golden Pass LNG , co-owned by QatarEnergy LNG and 埃克森美孚 , to extend the deadline required for it to come online to 30th November, 2029. from 30th November, 2026.

“Exporting US LNG supports American jobs, bolsters our national security and strengthens America’s position as a world energy leader,” Secretary Wright said in a statement.

“President Trump has pledged to restore energy dominance for the American people, and I am proud to help deliver on that agenda with today’s permit extension,” he said.

The approvals came after President Trump lifted a moratorium put in place by the Biden administration on the approval of new permits to sell LNG abroad.

Other companies awaiting DoE approval for export projects include Venture Global LNG and Energy Transfer .

Companies need the permits in order to sell to buyers in Europe and China to secure the finance needed to build multi-billion dollar LNG projects that take years to come online.

Delfin gets nod

The second approval was for an LNG export permit extension to Delfin LNG for its planned project offshore Louisiana.

This was announced by Secretary Wright in his opening remarks at CERAWeek in Houston yesterday.

“While the previous administration pursued a strategy of energy subtraction, I am proud to be working with President Trump to advance a strategy of energy addition – embracing all forms of energy that are affordable, reliable and secure,” Secretary Wright said.

“The positive energy and renewed enthusiasm for US leadership in energy exports from our allies and trading partners here at CERAWeek is palpable, and I am thrilled to sign this order to help another US LNG project advance,” he said.

This was the fourth LNG-related approval from the DoE since President Trump took office and follows an export approval to Commonwealth LNG on 14th February, an order on rehearing removing barriers for the use of LNG as bunkering fuel announced on 28th February, and the Golden Pass extension mentioned above.

“With this decision, I am pleased to see DoE help this project progress after the regulatory setbacks it faced during the Biden administration,” said Tala Goudarzi , Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management.

Delfin, majority-owned by Fairwood Peninsula, Talisman Global Alternative Master, and Talisman Global Capital Master, is seeking to reach a final investment decision (FID) later this year and begin construction of its offshore floating liquefied natural gas vessel (FLNGV).

Yesterday’s order extends the commencement date for Delfin’s export authorisation for up to 1.8 bill cu ft per day of LNG to non-free trade agreement countries to 1st June, 2029.?