On March 30, 2026, the Golden Pass LNG joint venture between ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy announced that its Sabine Pass facility in Texas had produced its first commercial batch of liquefied natural gas. The milestone marks the first output from a project that will ultimately deliver 18 million metric tons per annum (MTPA) of LNG, with the first train adding 6 MTPA to the portfolio.
The achievement is a key element of ExxonMobil’s strategy to expand U.S. LNG export capacity. By bringing the first train online, the company moves closer to meeting its goal of increasing LNG exports from the Permian Basin and other U.S. assets, thereby strengthening its position in the growing global LNG market.
Golden Pass LNG began construction in 2019 and has faced significant challenges, including delays and cost overruns that pushed the project back several months. The original lead contractor filed for bankruptcy, adding complexity to the development. Despite these setbacks, the joint venture has completed the liquefaction and storage systems and achieved first commercial production, demonstrating resilience and execution capability.
ExxonMobil’s recent financial performance provides context for the significance of this milestone. In its fourth‑quarter 2025 earnings released on January 30, 2026, the company reported earnings of $6.5 billion, or $1.53 per share, and full‑year 2025 earnings of $28.8 billion. While the LNG project is not yet a revenue driver, the successful startup signals future cash‑flow potential that will support the company’s long‑term growth objectives.
The timing of the first LNG output is strategically important amid geopolitical disruptions that have affected supply from Qatar’s Ras Laffan facility. The new Texas source is expected to increase natural‑gas demand and influence Gulf Coast pricing, reinforcing the United States’ role as a leading LNG exporter.
Management comments underscore the milestone’s significance. Alex Savva, President and CEO of Golden Pass LNG, said, "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." Jeremy Horn, Vice President of Operations, added, "I'm proud of our team and their tireless work to ensure we safely reached this milestone. We're excited to go to work delivering Texas LNG to power the world." Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, President and CEO of QatarEnergy, noted, "First LNG is of a particular importance for one of the largest single investment decisions in US LNG history. The operational phase and market entry of Golden Pass LNG will come at an important time when global energy security ranks very high on energy agendas worldwide."
The first commercial production at Golden Pass LNG positions ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy to capture a growing share of the global LNG market, enhances the company’s export capacity, and demonstrates the ability to overcome project challenges. The milestone is expected to contribute to future revenue streams and support ExxonMobil’s broader strategy of expanding its LNG footprint in the United States.
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