Kinder Morgan's Elba LNG export plant in Georgia begins receiving natural gas.

Kinder Morgan's Elba LNG export plant in Georgia has started taking in natural gas, according to LSEG data. The plant's capacity is expected to increase US natural gas exports to Europe. US natural gas prices have risen 4% on a small storage build and rising LNG export flows.

Kinder Morgan's Elba LNG export plant in Georgia has started taking in natural gas, according to LSEG data. The plant's capacity is expected to increase US natural gas exports to Europe. US natural gas prices have risen 4% on a small storage build and rising LNG export flows.

The plant, which was temporarily shut down due to an issue with a compressor system, is now operational and on track to reach its full capacity of 1.9 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd). This increase in gas intake is a significant development, as it follows the recent authorization by the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to start construction of additional north-to-south capacity on the Elba Express pipeline. This expansion is aimed at serving regional gas demand and the planned Elba Island LNG export terminal.

The Elba Express pipeline is a key infrastructure asset for Kinder Morgan, transporting regasified LNG from Elba Island to the regional grid. The recent approval by FERC to expand the pipeline's capacity is expected to facilitate increased LNG exports, which have been a significant growth driver for the US natural gas market. According to Kinder Morgan executives, power generation is now claiming half of the midstream giant's $9.3 billion project backlog, highlighting the strong demand for natural gas in the power sector.

The rise in natural gas prices, which have increased by 4% due to a small storage build and rising LNG export flows, underscores the growing importance of LNG exports in the US energy landscape. The US is currently the largest exporter of LNG, with exports expected to double by 2030. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for LNG both domestically and internationally, as well as the expansion of LNG export facilities like the one at Elba Island.

Kinder Morgan's results for the second quarter of 2025 reflect the strong demand for natural gas, with the company reporting a 24% rise in profit. The company's pipeline operators are benefiting from the increase in natural gas demand, with Kinder Morgan expecting to move 12 Bft3d of natural gas to LNG facilities by 2028. The company's Executive Chairman, Richard Kinder, expressed optimism about the future, citing historic growing natural gas demand forecasts, a positive federal regulatory environment, and supportive federal permitting agencies.

References:
[1] http://gasprocessingnews.com/news/2025/07/kinder-morgan-pipeline-operators-benefit-from-strong-natgas-demand/
[2] https://naturalgasintel.com/news/kinder-morgan-backlog-lifted-by-enormous-natural-gas-power-demand-and-lng/
[3] https://www.naturalgasintel.com/news/in-line-storage-print-sends-natural-gas-futures-sideways-as-blistering-heat-awaits/
[4] https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2025:newsml_L1N3TE0EN:0-freeport-lng-export-plant-in-texas-on-track-to-return-to-full-power-lseg-data-shows/
[5] https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/1253846-ferc-oks-start-of-elba-express-expansion