Golden Pass LNG has indeed achieved first production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from its Train 1 at the Sabine Pass terminal in Texas.

This milestone, announced on March 30, 2026, comes from the joint venture between QatarEnergy (70%) and ExxonMobil (30%). The 18 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) facility – made up of three trains – has now taken a major step toward full operations.

Alex Savva, President and CEO of Golden Pass LNG, highlighted the achievement: “Today, we began producing LNG at our terminal in Sabine Pass, marking the completion of a significant effort to construct, commission, and start up the first LNG train and the beginning of operating a world-class facility with an exceptional team.”

Once all three trains are online, Golden Pass will rank among the largest U.S. LNG export terminals, adding significant export capacity from the Gulf Coast. First production sets the stage for the initial export cargo (a tanker is reportedly heading there for loading around mid-to-late April). Sustained operations and full commercial exports are targeted for Q2 2026.

Construction started in 2019 and faced some delays and cost overruns, but the project reached this key commissioning phase after a cool-down cargo arrived safely last December. This is a big win for U.S. energy exports and strengthens QatarEnergy’s position as one of the world’s top LNG players through its largest U.S. investment. 

U.S. LNG production and exports have surged over the past decade, positioning the United States as the world’s largest LNG exporter. Production occurs almost exclusively at liquefaction terminals on the Gulf Coast (and a few others), with the vast majority exported rather than used domestically. As of early April 2026, operational liquefaction/export capacity exceeds 19 Bcf/d across nine large-scale facilities.

Preliminary data show March 2026 set a new all-time high at 11.7 million metric tons (39 cargoes in some recent weeks), driven by high utilization and new trains ramping up. Europe remains the top destination (typically 64-82% of volumes), followed by growing shipments to Asia (spot prices pulling cargoes) and Latin America/Caribbean.

The U.S. has nine large-scale operating LNG export facilities (mostly Gulf Coast). Major ones include:

Sabine Pass (Cameron, LA) – 4.55 Bcf/d (Cheniere; first U.S. exports in 2016);

Corpus Christi (TX) – 4.46 Bcf/d (Cheniere; includes partial Stage 3);

Cameron (Hackberry, LA) – 3.53 Bcf/d;

Freeport (Quintana Island, TX) – 3.10 Bcf/d;

Venture Global Plaquemines (Plaquemines Parish, LA) – 3.85 Bcf/d (started Dec 2024);

Venture Global Calcasieu Pass (Cameron, LA) – 1.76 Bcf/d;

Cove Point (MD), Elba Island (GA), and others make up the rest.

Golden Pass LNG (Sabine Pass, TX; QatarEnergy 70%/ExxonMobil 30%; 2.57 Bcf/d) just produced its first LNG (Train 1) this week and is ramping toward full commercial operations – a major addition that ties directly into the news you shared.

Total authorized U.S. LNG export capacity (operating, under construction, and approved) now tops 50 Bcf/d in long-term authorizations. Record marketed natural gas output (118 Bcf/d in 2025) has enabled this LNG boom. LNG exports now account for a significant share of total U.S. gas demand. Exports grew from 0.5 Bcf/d in 2016 to 15 Bcf/d average in 2025. EIA forecasts 18 Bcf/d by 2027.

Capacity is on track to nearly double by 2031. Major projects under construction (e.g., additional Corpus Christi trains, CP2 Phase 2, more Venture Global phases) will add tens of Bcf/d. Six large-scale terminals are currently under construction pursuant to FID. With Golden Pass now online and more capacity coming, 2026 is shaping up as another record year.

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