The US Department of Energy (DOE) has granted a long-term permit to export natural gas to Mexico via pipeline, turn it into LNG, and export it through LNG shipments from the Pacific coast of Mexico to countries with an existing US free trade agreement (FTA) in place. The authorization for the Gato Negro Manzanillo LNG plant allows the energy promoter Gato Negro Permitium Uno to export up to 236 bcf/year (6.7 bcm/year) of US natural gas via pipeline to Mexico and to re-export approximately 203 bcf/year (5.9 bcm/year) of LNG to any country that holds an FTA with the US. The permit’s length is to start from the date of first export following the commencement of commercial operation of the Manzanillo Plant, until 31 December 2050.
The US became a net gas exporter in 2017 and exports are increasing rapidly and have increased five-fold since 2014, reaching 223 bcm in 2023, with LNG making up more than 55% of exported volumes.
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