U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports quadrupled in 2017, with shipments to 25 different countries, says the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
The volume of shipments increased from 0.5 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in 2016, to 1.94 Bcf/d in 2017, it said.
All the shipments originated from Cheniere Energy’s Sabine Pass liquefaction terminal in Louisiana, Kallanish Energy reports.
Mexico got the most LNG: 20% of the total, EIA said.
Delays in pipeline projects and increased demand, especially from power plants, has resulted in Mexico relying on LNG to supplement natural gas imports by pipeline, EIA said.
South Korea was No. 2 for LNG volume, with 18% and China was third, with 15%. Mexico, South Korea and China together accounted for 53% of U.S. LNG exports in 2017, it said.
Almost 60% of U.S. LNG in 2017 was sold on a spot basis to more than 20 countries, according to EIA.
Sabine Pass’ LNG is full contracted under long-term contracts, but flexibility in those contracts allow U.S. LNG to ship to any market in the world, it said.
LNG shipments to Europe increased in 2017, but shipments to South America decreased, it said.
With Cove Point LNG in Maryland coming online, the U.S. export capacity has grown to 3.6 Bcf/d, EIA said.
Four more LNG projects are scheduled to come online in the next two years: Elba Island in Georgia, Cameron in Louisiana and Freeport and Corpus Christi, both in Texas.
