DOE Issues 20-Year LNG Export Authorization to Argent LNG at Port Fourchon as Ukraine and Bangladesh Sign Buyer MOUs

The U.S. Department of Energy issued a 20-year export authorization to Argent LNG on July 24. DOE Order No. 5447 covers the export of up to 25 million metric tonnes per annum of liquefied natural gas. The project sits at Port Fourchon in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, on approximately 900 acres of Gulf Coast property. The authorization permits exports to countries holding free-trade agreements with the United States, with a separate non-FTA application still pending at the DOE.

A 30 Percent Addition to U.S. LNG Capacity

At 25 MTPA, Argent LNG would add roughly 3.4 billion cubic feet per day to U.S. LNG export flows. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported U.S. baseload LNG export capacity at 11.44 Bcf per day at the end of 2023, with another 9.69 Bcf per day under construction at that date. The Argent LNG authorization alone represents a 30 percent increase on the 2023 baseload, before accounting for capacity additions already under construction. OilPrice.com described the United States as "the Backbone of Global Gas Supply" as Hormuz disruptions have pushed European and Asian buyers toward U.S. exporters.

Baker Hughes NMBL Technology Powers 12 Modular Trains

Argent LNG selected Baker Hughes NMBL technology for the facility's liquefaction system. NMBL, or Next-Generation Modular Base Load, uses aeroderivative gas turbines in a compact arrangement suited to phased construction. Baker Hughes (Nasdaq: BKR) separated from GE in 2019 and operates as an independent energy technology company. The facility calls for 12 modular liquefaction trains, two 220,000 cubic metre LNG storage tanks, two marine loading berths, and a 350-megawatt gas-fired power plant for site power.

Ukraine, Bangladesh, and Turkiye Sign as First Buyers

Argent LNG has signed memoranda of understanding with buyers in Ukraine, Bangladesh, and Turkiye. Ukraine has sought non-Russian LNG supply contracts since 2021 to replace volumes lost from Russian pipeline cuts. Bangladesh has ranked among the world's most active LNG spot buyers during periods of Asian market supply stress. Turkiye straddles European and Asian gas distribution networks and is expanding its LNG import terminal capacity.

FERC Review Precedes Physical Construction

The DOE export authorization grants commercial export rights but does not clear the facility for physical construction. Argent LNG submitted 11 resource reports to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as part of the pre-filing environmental review. Those reports cover environmental, engineering, and socioeconomic impacts of the Port Fourchon site. FERC approval is a separate, required step before ground-breaking.

Construction is targeted to begin in late 2027 and first LNG production is planned for the first quarter of 2030. CEO Jonathan Bass leads Argent LNG as a standalone development entity focused on the Louisiana Gulf Coast. The company's modular design allows construction to proceed in phases, reducing front-end capital exposure. Baker Hughes has not disclosed the contract value for the NMBL equipment supply.