NextDecade Advances Rio Grande LNG Expansion With Train 6 Pre-Filing Initiative

NextDecade Corporation (NEXT) is progressing toward a major expansion of its Rio Grande LNG facility in Brownsville, Texas, by submitting a pre-filing notice to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the development of a sixth liquefaction train and an additional marine loading berth. The company expects to file a complete application in 2026, signaling the start of a significant new phase in its capacity growth strategy.

Scaling Operations at Rio Grande LNG

Rio Grande LNG is experiencing accelerated development, with five liquefaction trains currently in active construction. The first train is scheduled for completion in 2027, with full operational capacity across all five trains projected for the early 2030s. NextDecade has emphasized that the Texas facility possesses substantial room for future expansion, potentially enabling the company to double its production capacity and strengthen its position in the competitive LNG train market globally.

Train 5 Advances Toward Commercial Operations

NextDecade achieved a positive final investment decision on Train 5, which is now fully financed and proceeding under a notice to proceed from Bechtel Energy. This sixth unit in the total project lineup will contribute approximately 6 million tons per annum (MTPA) of liquefied natural gas capacity, supported by long-term purchase agreements with prominent energy buyers including JERA, EQT Corporation, and ConocoPhillips. The company anticipates initial commercial deliveries in the first half of 2031, with total project expenditure for Train 5 and related infrastructure estimated at $6.7 billion.

Future Growth and Market Position

As NextDecade continues developing Trains 6, 7, and 8, the company is reinforcing its commitment to delivering stable, lower-carbon LNG solutions to international markets while simultaneously pushing total capacity to reach 48 MTPA. The regulatory and construction momentum surrounding Rio Grande LNG demonstrates NextDecade’s strategic focus on establishing a premier LNG export hub in North America, capable of responding to growing global demand for liquefied natural gas while maintaining operational flexibility in the evolving train market landscape.