By kicking off the pre-filing process, Houston-headquartered NextDecade Corporation is putting the wheels into motion to add another train and expand its liquefied natural gas (LNG) export project under development in Texas, United States.
NextDecade has initiated the pre-filing process with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the expansion of its Rio Grande LNG project, with a sixth liquefaction train (Train 6) and an additional marine berth.
The U.S. player expects to file a full application for this expansion with FERC in 2026. The firm is constructing and developing the Rio Grande LNG natural gas liquefaction and export facility near Brownsville, Texas.
With approximately 48 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of potential liquefaction capacity currently under construction and in development, there is said to be sufficient space at the site for up to ten liquefaction trains and a potential carbon capture and storage (CCS) project.
Matt Schatzman , NextDecade’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented: “With five trains now under construction at Rio Grande LNG and space at the site to potentially double capacity, we are intently focused on the next phase of growth for NextDecade, and today we have advanced the permitting process for our expansion capacity by initiating a pre-filing with FERC for Train 6.
“We look forward to working with FERC and other agencies throughout the Train 6 permitting process, as we expand our liquefaction capacity to deliver reliable, cost-effective and lower-carbon energy to the world.”
This move follows the U.S. LNG developer’s final investment decisions (FIDs) for the fourth train in September 2025 and the fifth one in October. Baker Hughes will provide the primary liquefaction equipment for both trains.