Taiwan is exploring a major energy partnership with Alaska through a liquefied natural gas (LNG) project. U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that Taiwan has agreed to purchase 30% of the output from the proposed Alaska LNG project over 20 years, along with a $4.4 billion investment commitment. The state-owned CPC Corporation has made progress in negotiations with New York-based energy company Glenfarne, though key details like ownership stakes and contract terms remain unresolved.
The Alaska LNG project, valued between $44.5 billion and $54.5 billion, aims to transport natural gas from Alaska’s North Slope to a southern export terminal, where it would be cooled and shipped to Asian markets. If construction and financing proceed as planned, the project could begin supplying Taiwan as early as 2032. Alaska’s natural gas reserves rose nearly 7% in 2024, reaching about 103 trillion cubic feet, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Taiwan’s CPC Corporation plans to buy 6 million metric tons of LNG annually once production begins. The deal aligns with Taiwan’s goal to diversify its energy suppliers and reduce dependence on the Middle East. Premier Cho Jung-tai emphasized the government’s role in ensuring energy supply stability. However, the final price, investment structure, and purchasing obligations are yet to be fully established.
The deal carries significant political implications. China’s Foreign Ministry criticized Taiwan’s participation, stating that the island’s external affairs should adhere to the “one-China principle.” Chinese officials accused Taiwan’s current administration of promoting independence under the guise of economic cooperation. The dispute underscores how energy transactions can have political consequences, particularly as commercial ties between Washington and Taipei draw scrutiny from Beijing.