Golden Pass LNG appears offline after near halt in gas intake, LSEG data show

• The facility processed nearly 600 million cubic feet of gas on June 23, but higher volumes led to flaring that remains under investigation according to filings with Texas environmental regulators
• Golden Pass requested only 20 million cubic feet of gas on Monday, a dramatic drop from the first train's capacity of roughly 800 million cubic feet per day
• At full capacity, the facility will process up to 2.6 billion cubic feet of natural gas daily across three LNG trains

Summary: Golden Pass LNG Facility Appears Offline After Gas Intake Halts

Key Development:

Golden Pass LNG, a joint venture between QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil, has experienced a near-complete halt in natural gas intake over the past three days and appears to be offline, according to LSEG data.

Facility Details:

• Location: Port Arthur, Texas
• Status: Commissioning first of three LNG trains since March 30
• Current capacity: Approximately 800 million cubic feet per day (first train)
• Full capacity target: 2.6 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day
• Expected annual exports: Over 18 million metric tons of liquefied natural gas

Recent Operations:

• June 29: Facility requested only 20 million cubic feet of natural gas
• June 23: Processed nearly 600 million cubic feet, but higher volumes triggered flaring
• Pattern: Several start-and-stop periods during equipment testing and commissioning phase

Regulatory Issues:

Golden Pass filed a report with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regarding the flaring incident, stating that commissioning and startup activities continue at the Sabine Pass facility. The cause of the flaring remains under investigation.

Market Implications:

The temporary shutdown affects a facility that will significantly boost U.S. LNG export capacity once operational. The commissioning challenges and operational interruptions may delay the facility's contribution to global LNG supply, potentially impacting natural gas prices and export schedules. The facility has not responded to requests for comment on the current status.

This development is noteworthy for energy traders monitoring U.S. LNG export capacity additions and natural gas demand.