Qatar's US Investments Top $30 Billion, Energy Minister Confirms Golden Pass LNG Updates
Qatar's investments in the United States have surpassed $30 billion, with a significant portion allocated to strategic energy projects, according to the nation's Energy Minister, Saad Al-Kaabi. This substantial financial commitment was highlighted in the context of ongoing high-level economic discussions and major deal signings, reportedly during a visit by then-US President Donald Trump to the Gulf region.
Golden Pass LNG: A Key Strategic Asset in Texas
The cornerstone of Qatar's US investment portfolio is the Golden Pass LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) project in Texas. According to Minister Al-Kaabi, as reported by CNBC Arabia, an affiliate of QatarEnergy holds a 70 percent stake in this major energy infrastructure venture, with US energy giant ExxonMobil holding the remaining 30 percent.
Interestingly, the Golden Pass terminal was initially conceived to import Qatari LNG into the US. However, due to the significant increase in US natural gas production leading to self-sufficiency, the project strategically pivoted to become an LNG export facility.
Updated Timeline and Milestones for Golden Pass
Minister Al-Kaabi provided updates on the Golden Pass LNG project's timeline, indicating that Qatar expects to receive the first shipment of LNG from the facility by the end of this year (2025). The official opening of the Texas-based project is anticipated in the first quarter of 2026.
Recent developments include an important permit extension for the project. "Last month" (referring to April 2025, given the context of the news), the Golden Pass project reportedly received approval from the Trump administration to extend its starting date permit by three years. According to Bloomberg, this means the delayed project is now set to ramp up development with a new target to start production on November 30, 2029.
Looking Ahead
Qatar's substantial and ongoing investments in the US, particularly in transformative energy projects like Golden Pass LNG, underscore the deep economic ties and strategic energy cooperation between the two nations. The project's evolution from an import to an export terminal also reflects the dynamic shifts in the global energy landscape and the US's role as a major energy producer.
Source: MSN Money