The Gold Channel Liquefied Natural Gas Project Achieves First Production Milestone in the United States

The Golden Passage Liquefied Natural Gas Project, a joint venture between Qatar Energy and ExxonMobil, has produced its first batch of liquefied natural gas at the Texas export facility’s first production line, marking progress toward full operation.

The project is located in Sabine Pass, with a total of three liquefaction production lines and an annual capacity of 18 million tons. The commissioning of the first line is expected to pave the way for the shipment of the first LNG cargo, with export targets set to begin in the second quarter of 2026.

“The production of the first batch of LNG is of special significance as one of the largest single investment decisions in U.S. LNG history. The operation phase of the Golden Passage LNG project and its market entry come at a critical moment when global energy security is a top priority on national energy agendas. We look forward to the safe and smooth start of export operations,” said Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of Energy Affairs, President and CEO of Qatar Energy.

Al-Kaabi added that the Golden Passage LNG project is part of Qatar Energy’s broader international investment strategy planned over the past decade. The project is also a key component of Qatar Energy’s 2018 announcement to invest $20 billion in the U.S. energy sector.

The Golden Passage LNG project made a final investment decision of over $10 billion in 2019 and is currently owned 70% by Qatar Energy and 30% by ExxonMobil.

As global LNG demand continues to grow—especially in Europe and Asia—this project is expected to supply natural gas to the global market.