QatarEnergy is in advanced discussions with NextDecade to secure up to 2 million metric tons per annum of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Rio Grande LNG export facility in Texas. The talks focus on volumes from Train 6, which is currently in the permitting phase and has not yet received final investment approval. NextDecade has already sold out capacity for the first five trains at the facility.
The negotiations come as QatarEnergy expands its LNG supply deals in the US, aiming to mitigate risks from potential disruptions in the Middle East. Chief Executive Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi previously highlighted the strategy to ensure revenue stability amid ongoing regional conflicts. QatarEnergy is also in talks to purchase about 3 million metric tons per annum each from Venture Global and Woodside Energy, and has signed a long-term agreement with Cheniere Energy for 4 million metric tons per annum.
NextDecade's Rio Grande LNG facility, under construction near Brownsville, Texas, is set to produce about 30 million metric tons of LNG annually when fully operational. The company filed an application for the Train 6 project in May and submitted an export authorization request in June. Commercial interest in Train 6 exceeds its nameplate capacity, with a final investment decision targeted for 2027. If approved, Train 6 could pave the way for additional expansion phases, potentially increasing total liquefaction capacity to roughly 48 million metric tons per annum.