One of Louisiana’s largest LNG export projects is approaching the transition from commissioning to commercial operation.
Venture Global asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on October 1 for authorization to place all of Phase 1 of its Plaquemines LNG terminal into service. Reuters reported that the company told FERC its commissioning operations had been successful and requested permission to move the phase into service.
The request is significant because FERC approval would allow Venture Global to begin commercial deliveries from Phase 1 to long-term customers, including Shell.
From Commissioning Cargoes to Long-Term Contracts
Plaquemines LNG has already been producing and exporting LNG during commissioning. Commercial operation is different: it marks the point when contracted customers begin receiving cargoes under long-term agreements rather than the developer retaining flexibility to sell commissioning cargoes into the spot market.
Venture Global has previously said it expects commercial operations for Phase 1 to begin by October 31.
The company’s regulatory request does not itself constitute FERC approval. The federal commission must still authorize the facilities to be placed into service.
A Major Piece of Louisiana’s LNG Buildout
The Plaquemines project sits on approximately 630 acres along the Mississippi River in Plaquemines Parish. Company filings describe Phase 1 as having 13.3 million metric tons per year of nameplate capacity, with Phase 2 adding another 6.7 million metric tons per year.
Venture Global has also proposed a separate expansion immediately adjacent to the existing terminal. FERC says that proposed expansion would add up to approximately 18.6 million metric tons per year through 12 additional liquefaction blocks, another marine berth and associated power-generation facilities. That expansion remains under federal review and has not been approved.
Why Commercial Service Matters
Louisiana’s LNG industry has spent years moving projects through financing, construction and federal permitting. The Plaquemines filing is a different kind of milestone: a large facility that is already producing LNG is seeking the authorization that converts a major portion of the plant into regular commercial service.
That transition matters to customers, investors and Louisiana’s natural-gas market. Large LNG terminals create sustained demand for Gulf Coast gas and support pipelines, marine services and industrial work across the region.
It also comes during a period of elevated global LNG prices. Reuters reported that European and Asian benchmark LNG prices averaged above $25 per million British thermal units in September, while Venture Global has benefited from spot-market sales during commissioning.
The next development to watch is FERC’s response. If the agency grants the request, Phase 1 of Plaquemines LNG will move from startup operations into the commercial phase Venture Global has been building toward for years.
Source Notes
Reuters, Oct. 1, 2026: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/venture-global-asks-federal-regulators-place-service-its-plaquemines-lng-plant-2026-10-01/
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission — Plaquemines LNG Expansion Project: https://www.ferc.gov/plaquemines-lng-expansion-project
Venture Global SEC project description: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2007855/000119312525012218/d146310d424b4.htm
