FERC Weighs Extension Request for Commonwealth LNG as Plaquemines Project Wins More Time

The U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector continues to face delays and regulatory challenges, prompting developers to seek more time to complete major infrastructure projects. In recent developments, Venture Global’s Plaquemines LNG project received approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for an extended timeline, while Commonwealth LNG has formally requested a similar extension to keep its Louisiana export terminal plans on track.

Venture Global’s Plaquemines LNG facility, located in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, has been granted a 15-month extension by FERC. Originally required to be completed by September 2026, the project is now authorized to enter service by December 31, 2027. The extension follows Venture Global’s claims of significant progress, including the shipment of its first commissioning cargo in late 2024 and full commercial commitments for the terminal’s 20 million metric tons per annum (mtpa) capacity.

The company cited multiple factors contributing to the delay, including early weather-related construction setbacks, supply chain disruptions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, and the technical complexity of its modular LNG train design. FERC found no opposition during the public comment period and determined the extension was justified based on the project’s advancement and commercial readiness.

Meanwhile, Commonwealth LNG, which plans to build a 9.5 mtpa LNG export terminal in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, is still awaiting FERC’s decision on its own extension request. The company has asked for an additional four years—extending its deadline from November 2027 to December 2031—citing regulatory delays beyond its control. Chief among them was the U.S. Department of Energy’s pause on non-Free Trade Agreement (non-FTA) export approvals under the Biden administration. Although the freeze was lifted earlier this year by President Donald Trump, Commonwealth said the prolonged wait stalled progress and made it impossible to meet the original timeline.

The developer has secured sales agreements for more than half of the project’s planned capacity, with notable customers including EQT, Glencore, JERA, and PETRONAS. Commonwealth also stated that its backer, Kimmeridge, intends to retain 2 mtpa of capacity for trading purposes. While the remaining capacity has not yet been fully contracted, the company reported that final negotiations are underway and that it still expects to reach a final investment decision (FID) in 2025.

In its extension filing, Commonwealth emphasized that the regulatory delays it faced were outside its control and materially impacted its ability to move the project forward as initially planned. FERC has acknowledged the request and stated that if the extension is contested, a decision would be issued within 45 days.

As the U.S. aims to remain a dominant force in global LNG markets, the outcome of Commonwealth LNG’s request could signal how FERC balances commercial realities with regulatory expectations. With international buyers closely watching U.S. export timelines, the agency’s next steps could significantly influence investment and development decisions across the LNG sector.