Venture Global’s $10B LNG terminal in Louisiana gets approval

The United States has taken another decisive step in solidifying its position as a global leader in liquefied natural gas exports. On May 23, 2025, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the construction of Venture Global’s CP2 LNG project in Cameron Parish, Louisiana. The approval marks a major milestone for the $10 billion facility and signals continued growth in American energy infrastructure.

The CP2 terminal is set to become one of the world’s largest, potentially adding 28 million metric tons per year of LNG capacity. For Venture Global, this approval advances its trajectory toward becoming the top LNG exporter in the US, with far-reaching implications for international energy markets.

The scope of the CP2 LNG project and what it aims to deliver

Located on the Gulf Coast in Cameron Parish, the CP2 project is expansive and technically advanced. The facility will include 36 modular liquefaction trains, four LNG storage tanks with a capacity of 200,000 cubic meters each, two deepwater marine berths, and a 1,440-megawatt combined cycle gas power plant built on-site.

With a nameplate capacity of 20 million metric tons per year and peak potential of 28 million, CP2 is designed to meet shifting global demand efficiently. Its location allows it to benefit from established pipeline networks and deepwater access, reinforcing southwestern Louisiana’s role as a key LNG export hub.

How CP2 fits into Venture Global’s growing LNG empire

Venture Global is rapidly scaling its footprint in the LNG sector. With CP2, the company’s total export capacity is expected to reach 66.5 million metric tons per year. This would place it ahead of Cheniere Energy, currently the top US LNG exporter with around 60 million metric tons per year.

The company already operates Calcasieu Pass and is building the Plaquemines LNG terminal. Together, these facilities offer operational flexibility and geographic diversity. As global demand intensifies, Venture Global’s infrastructure positions it to respond swiftly to market needs.

Regulatory dynamics and geopolitical LNG strategy

The approval process for CP2 followed extensive review and public engagement. The Department of Energy has also granted authorization to export LNG to countries without free trade agreements with the US, which opens additional international markets.

This move aligns with broader US strategic interests, reinforcing the country’s role as a reliable energy partner amid ongoing geopolitical shifts. Regions such as South Asia and Africa are actively seeking long-term LNG agreements, attracted by the stability of US supply.

Environmental challenges and legal opposition to the project

Despite the regulatory approval, the CP2 project faces legal pushback. Environmental organizations have filed challenges, questioning the sufficiency of the project’s environmental assessments and raising concerns about emissions, ecological disruption, and long-term climate impacts.

While the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission concluded that impacts could be managed with mitigation, critics argue that the broader environmental footprint of multiple LNG terminals along the Gulf Coast remains under-analyzed.

Global LNG demand and CP2’s role in future supply

LNG demand is expected to keep rising. Global trade reached 411 million tons in 2024, up from the previous year. In the US, LNG exports are projected to increase from 12 billion cubic feet per day in 2024 to 14 billion in 2025.

CP2 is designed to meet this growing demand. Its modular design and scalable output allow it to adjust production levels based on market signals. With continued global demand and geopolitical uncertainty, the facility represents both a commercial opportunity and a strategic asset for the US.

Sources:
Venture Global
Reuters