NextDecade Corporation has announced the initiation of the pre-filing process with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for an expansion at Rio Grande LNG that includes a sixth liquefaction train (Train 6) and an additional marine berth. The company anticipates filing a full application for the expansion with FERC in 2026.

The expansion represents the next phase of growth for NextDecade as construction progresses on five trains currently under development at Rio Grande LNG. The site has sufficient capacity to potentially double its liquefaction infrastructure, positioning the company for significant long-term expansion.

Matt Schatzman, NextDecade’s chairman and CEO, emphasised the strategic importance of the pre-filing milestone: “With five trains now under construction at Rio Grande LNG and space at the site to potentially double capacity, we are intently focused on the next phase of growth for NextDecade, and today we have advanced the permitting process for our expansion capacity by initiating a pre-filing with FERC for Train 6. We look forward to working with FERC and other agencies throughout the Train 6 permitting process, as we expand our liquefaction capacity to deliver reliable, cost-effective and lower-carbon energy to the world.”

The proposed expansion encompasses two primary components: the addition of Train 6 to the existing liquefaction infrastructure and the construction of an additional marine berth to support increased export capacity. The pre-filing process marks the formal beginning of regulatory engagement for the project.

The expansion leverages NextDecade’s existing Rio Grande LNG site infrastructure and strategic location to enhance the company’s ability to deliver liquefied natural gas to global markets with an emphasis on reliability, cost-effectiveness, and lower-carbon intensity.