US LNG Infrastructure: A Golden Opportunity as DOE Permits Ignite Growth

The U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector is on the cusp of a historic inflection point. A confluence of regulatory tailwinds, finalized export permits, and shovel-ready projects has created a rare alignment of risk-reward for investors. With the Department of Energy (DOE) aggressively advancing approvals for terminal operators, now is the moment to position in this sector—before projects move from paper to pipeline.

The DOE’s Green Light to Growth

The DOE’s recent policy shifts have slashed regulatory red tape, creating a clear path for LNG projects to move forward. A key change: the removal of the Obama-era requirement that forced LNG projects to begin exports within seven years of permit approval. Now, developers can seek extensions on a case-by-case basis, eliminating a major risk for large-scale projects.

This shift is already bearing fruit. Venture Global’s CP2 terminal—a 28 million-ton-per-year (mn t/yr) behemoth in Louisiana—secured a conditional DOE export permit in March 2025, with final environmental approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) expected imminently. The project, backed by $27–28 billion in construction costs, is poised to break ground by mid-2025, with first exports targeted for 2029.

Projects to Watch: Shovel-Ready and Contractually Backed

Investors should prioritize companies with both permits and signed sales agreements, as these projects are de-risked and likely to proceed. Here’s the shortlist:

1. Venture Global (VGR):
2. CP2 Terminal: 28 mn t/yr capacity, with 9.25 mn t/yr already contracted via long-term deals with buyers like Inpex, EnBW, and Jera.

3. Timeline: FERC approval expected by May 9, 2025, with Final Investment Decision (FID) by mid-year.

4. Commonwealth LNG:

5. A 1.2 mn t/yr terminal in Maryland, secured a DOE permit in February 2025. Though smaller, its proximity to the East Coast and existing infrastructure reduces execution risk.

6. Golden Pass (ExxonMobil/QatarEnergy):

7. A 18.1 mn t/yr project with a two-year extension to its export deadline (now 2027). Already under construction, it benefits from the stability of its corporate partners.

Equipment Providers: The Hidden Gems of the LNG Boom

While terminal operators grab headlines, equipment providers stand to profit quietly—and profitably. Companies like Caterpillar (CAT), Halliburton (HAL), and General Electric (GE) are critical to building and maintaining LNG infrastructure.

• Caterpillar: Supplies heavy machinery for site prep, transportation, and plant maintenance.
• GE: Provides liquefaction technology and turbines for LNG facilities.
• Schlumberger (SLB): Specializes in pipeline construction and monitoring systems.

These companies are already seeing demand spike as projects like CP2 move toward FID.

Why Act Now? Timing is Everything

The window to capitalize on these opportunities is narrowing fast. Key catalysts are imminent:
1. CP2’s FERC Approval: A May 9 deadline looms, with a positive outcome all but certain.
2. DOE’s 2024 Study Wrap-Up: The agency’s Response to Comments (finalized May 19) solidifies LNG’s role in U.S. energy policy.
3. Global Demand Surge: S&P Global forecasts a 64% increase in global LNG demand by 2030, with the U.S. positioned to capture a growing share.

Risks? Yes. But the Upside Outweighs Them

Critics will point to environmental concerns—DOE’s methane leak estimates (0.56%) clash with independent studies (2.95% average). However, the Trump administration’s pro-LNG stance means environmental hurdles are being minimized, not magnified. Investors should focus on the economic and geopolitical tailwinds: LNG exports boost GDP, create jobs, and strengthen alliances with energy-hungry allies like Japan and Germany.

Final Call: Act Before the Boom Starts

The LNG sector is transitioning from “what if” to “when”—and “when” is fast approaching. Investors who move now can secure positions in companies like VGR, CAT, and HAL at valuations that won’t last once projects hit FID. The next 12–18 months will see construction crews break ground, contracts flow, and terminals begin exporting. This is not a sector for the passive—it’s time to act.

The LNG boom is here. Will you be on the right side of it?