IEA Launches New Global LNG Capacity Tracker

Abu Dhabi: After a period of crisis, tight supply conditions and heightened price volatility, the global natural gas market is expected to transition to a period of abundant supply in the coming years - largely due to an increase in global capacity to produce and export liquefied natural gas (LNG). According to Emirates News Agency, the International Energy Agency (IEA) launched a new online resource that will make key LNG data publicly available, providing detailed information on a rapidly evolving market for the first time. The IEA's new Global LNG Capacity Tracker, introduced today, monitors final investment decisions for new LNG export projects and provides data on liquefaction capacity additions through 2030. This data is based on projects currently under construction and the latest ramp-up schedules and will be updated regularly. The current global LNG liquefaction capacity stands at approximately 670 billion cubic metres (bcm) per year. Recent years have seen slower-than-average capacity growth, lead ing to higher prices amid robust demand. However, capacity is projected to rise significantly by the end of the decade, impacting global gas markets. Between 2025 and 2030, nearly 290 bcm per year of new LNG export capacity is expected to become operational from projects that have already reached a final investment decision and are under construction, as indicated by the Tracker. The pace and scale of this capacity expansion remain uncertain and may shift over time. The Tracker aims to reflect the latest developments, providing timely insights for governments, industry, and other stakeholders. The IEA continues to closely monitor developments in natural gas markets, which are crucial for global energy security today. This effort includes the publication of the quarterly Gas Market Report and special reports such as the India Gas Market Report published in February.