QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil have started LNG production at their long-awaited Golden Pass facility in the United States, marking a significant step toward expanding global energy supply.
The companies confirmed that production has begun from the first of the project’s 3 liquefaction trains, each with a capacity of 6 mtpa, at the 18 mtpa Golden Pass LNG plant located in Sabine Pass, Texas.
QatarEnergy described the development as a “major milestone,” adding that it paves the way for the facility to deliver its first LNG cargo once sustained operations are achieved. Exports are expected to begin in Q2 2026.
Qatar’s energy minister and QatarEnergy CEO, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, said: “First LNG is of a particular importance for one of the largest single investment decisions in US LNG history.
“The operational phase and market entry of Golden Pass LNG will come at an important time when global energy security ranks very high on energy agendas worldwide. We look forward to the safe and successful start of export operations.”
Al-Kaabi noted that the project traces back to QatarEnergy’s 2018 plan to invest $20 billion in the US energy sector. “We are now seeing the first fruits of this far-sighted strategy with the start of Golden Pass LNG, which will play an important role in supporting global energy security and a fair and balanced access to cleaner energy,” he said.
QatarEnergy holds a 70% stake in the project, while ExxonMobil owns the remaining 30%.
Originally developed as an import terminal, Golden Pass received its first cargo in 2010 before being converted into an export facility. However, the transition faced significant delays. In 05 2025, Al-Kaabi had indicated that exports would begin before year-end.
The plant received a commissioning cargo in Q4 2025, setting the stage for production.
The startup comes at a critical time for QatarEnergy, which has faced disruptions in its domestic LNG output. About 17% of its Qatari production has been impacted following damage caused by Iranian missile strikes on 2 production trains, with estimated losses of $20 billion annually and repair timelines of 3–5 years.
On 2 March, the company had also halted LNG production in Qatar as tensions escalated in the Middle East Gulf war, later declaring force majeure with multiple buyers.
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