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TotalEnergies has announced a significant advancement in its commitment to the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector with the final investment decision (FID) for Train 4 of the Rio Grande LNG project in Brownsville, Texas. This new liquefaction unit, which will add 5.4 million tonnes per annum (MTA) of capacity, represents an investment of approximately $6.1 billion and underscores the company's strategic role in bolstering U.S. LNG export capabilities.

Chairman and CEO Patrick Pouyann emphasized that moving forward with this new liquefaction train reinforces TotalEnergies' dedication to enhancing the United States' position as a leading LNG exporter. The project developer, NextDecade, confirmed that Train 4 will be financed through a combination of equity and debt, with TotalEnergies and its partners committing to the equity contributions necessary for its realization.

Currently, three additional trains are under construction, with NextDecade reporting a 70% completion rate as of September 2025. Train 1 is projected to commence operations in 2027. NextDecade's CEO, Matt Schatzman, indicated that the FID for Train 4 marks a significant milestone in the expansion of the Rio Grande LNG facility, which is focused on ensuring the safe and timely execution of all project phases.

Upon completion, the facility will boast a total capacity of approximately 21.6 MTA, with each of the four trains designed for 5.4 MTA of liquefaction capacity. NextDecade also confirmed that it holds sufficient land and permits for the construction of up to five trains. Bechtel is leading the engineering, procurement, and construction efforts for the facility.

In a commitment to sustainability, NextDecade aims to deploy carbon capture and storage technology to mitigate the carbon intensity of the LNG produced. TotalEnergies has also secured a 10% stake in the joint venture for Train 4, in addition to its existing 16.7% interest in Phase 1 of the Rio Grande LNG project.

The collective investment decision marks a collaborative effort among TotalEnergies, NextDecade, and other partners, including Global Infrastructure Partners, GIC, and Mubadala. When Train 4 comes online in 2030, the cumulative output will bring the plant’s total capacity to approximately 24 MTA, further solidifying TotalEnergies' position as a major player in the global LNG market.

The anticipated LNG exports will not only bolster the company's portfolio—enabling TotalEnergies to achieve over 16 MTA of U.S. LNG export capacity by 2030—but will also provide reliable and competitive energy solutions to customers worldwide.