TotalEnergies, the premier exporter of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG), is set to significantly increase its investments in American LNG supply. The French energy behemoth, according to CEO Patrick Pouyanne in an interview with Reuters, is contemplating expanding its current U.S. export projects.
TotalEnergies, which ships over 10 million tons of LNG annually from the United States, is the world’s second-largest LNG trader, only trailing Shell. The company holds a 16.6% stake in the Cameron LNG plant in Louisiana and maintains several long-term purchasing agreements with U.S. LNG exporters.
In recent years, TotalEnergies LNG has heavily invested in LNG across various regions, now setting its sights on further strengthening its U.S. market presence. “We have ample resources to expand our U.S. footprint for the next decade, and I am confident we will achieve it,” Pouyanne said.
The company might consider an expansion of the Cameron LNG plant by adding a fourth train and bolstering production facilities at Rio Grande LNG. Earlier this year, TotalEnergies acquired a 45% stake in dry gas-producing assets operated by Lewis Energy Group in Texas’s Eagle Ford basin, boosting its gas production business and expanding its LNG portfolio. In September 2024, the company announced a second similar transaction in the U.S. gas sector, emphasizing its dedication to expanding its gas value chain integration.
Pouyanne believes the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump will take a pragmatic approach to energy policies. President Trump has already signed an executive order to increase America’s oil and gas production and exports, including ending the pause on new LNG permits imposed during the Biden administration and accelerating energy infrastructure projects like pipelines.
According to Pouyanne, it is not increased exports but inadequate infrastructure that may drive up domestic U.S. prices. “If you examine the history of U.S. gas price fluctuations, the spikes are more associated with infrastructure shortages rather than resource scarcity,” he mentioned to Reuters.
