DÉCRYPTAGE –

Barely fifteen years old, the country has transitioned from a massive importer to exporter. A position it aims to further strengthen.

Long before the start of the war in Iran, the United States geared up to export their natural gas. It’s almost forgotten that in 2010, the country imported liquefied natural gas (LNG). Qatar held 26% of that market. Fifteen years later, after the discovery and exploitation of significant shale gas deposits, the United States massively exports their gas, holding 21% of the LNG market, ahead of Qatar (19%).

The Cameron liquefied natural gas plant in Louisiana is a perfect example of this evolution. The three massive reservoirs meant to store liquefied gas were built in the early 2000s, alongside equipment for regasifying imported LNG. The facility is now mothballed, at the federal government’s request, ready to be restarted if needed. A prospect that seems highly unlikely given the lack of activity here. Cameron is just one of twelve liquefaction plants.

[Context: Article content discusses the shift in the United States from importing to exporting natural gas over a span of fifteen years, predominantly due to the discovery and exploitation of shale gas deposits.]