Exports Of U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas—Ten-Year Revolution Has Risks

BusinessEnergyExports Of U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas—Ten-Year Revolution Has RisksByIan Dexter Palmer, Ph.D.,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Ian writes on fossil energies, climate, and transition to renewables.Follow AuthorMay 27, 2026, 01:14pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.A liquefied natural gas tanker is moored at aN LNG berth in Kawasaki, Japan. AFP via Getty ImagesThe U.S. has plenty of natural gas. It was burned off for many years in the Permian basin, when liquid crude was favored. But if you freeze the gas, it turns into a liquefied state called LNG, which can be shipped readily across oceans and provide sources of electrical power or commercial heating that are much cleaner than burning coal. The war in Ukraine led to Russia cutting off gas supplies to Europe. The U.S. stepped in and shipped their LNG which saved Europe. The war in Iran led to a blockade of 20% of world supplies of oil and LNG shipped through the Strait of Hormuz. China and Asia-Pacific countries have suffered, In Japan, coal-fired power in April surged 11%, the largest jump in at least a year, as gas-fired power dropped 13%. But once again, LNG from the U.S. has raised its hand to help. Exports to Asia grew from 1 million metric tons in February to 1.75 million metric tons in April, as reported by Markedium’s Post. LNG Exports From U.S. Before 2016, the U.S. was exporting zero LNG. It was against the law, as in previous decades the U.S. had been seriously short on production of natural gas. But the country was saved by the shale revolution, which took off in 2003. The ingredients for success of the shale revolution are well documented. But federal law was changed, and LNG began its own revolution in 2016, and this story was artfully told in 2024.LNG exports from the U.S. have grown dramatically and steadily since 2016. The rate of increase is a stunni...