America’s LNG Boom Rolls On: Venture Global Breaks Ground on CP2 Terminal in Louisiana

CAMERON PARISH, La. — In a sign of the enduring global appetite for American natural gas, Venture Global LNG has officially broken ground on its $10 billion CP2 export terminal along Louisiana’s Gulf Coast — one of the largest energy infrastructure projects currently underway in the United States.

The CP2 facility, located just east of the company’s existing Calcasieu Pass terminal, is expected to produce 20 million metric tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per year once operational. Combined with the original terminal, the two sites will export more LNG than any other facility in the country — an outcome that underscores both the scale of global energy demand and the critical role Louisiana continues to play in meeting it.

"This project solidifies the United States — and Louisiana in particular — as a cornerstone of global energy security," Venture Global CEO Mike Sabel said at Monday’s ceremonial groundbreaking, which drew officials from across the state and international energy partners.

A Strategic Bet on Demand

The CP2 terminal is backed by more than 20-year sales agreements with European and Asian buyers, including major utilities and industrial firms in countries seeking to wean themselves off coal and Russian gas. Among the buyers: Japan’s JERA, Germany’s EnBW, and U.S.-based Chevron.

Construction will create more than 2,000 jobs, and once fully operational, CP2 is expected to employ roughly 200 full-time workers. Perhaps more significantly, it represents a long-term bet on the durability of American LNG exports, even as policymakers continue to debate climate targets and renewable energy transitions.

Despite a temporary pause on new LNG project approvals by the Biden administration earlier this year — citing the need to review climate impacts — CP2 was permitted beforehand and is moving forward without delay.

“This is a perfect example of regulatory certainty enabling private-sector investment,” said Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, who has championed oil and gas development since taking office. “Louisiana welcomes energy producers who invest in our people and our future.”

Economic Lifeline for Southwest Louisiana

For Cameron Parish, one of the most sparsely populated regions in the state, the project is an economic lifeline. The parish was devastated by back-to-back hurricanes in 2020 and has struggled to rebuild amid broader rural economic challenges.

Local officials say the CP2 terminal could generate more than $4 billion in state and local tax revenue over the life of the project. More immediately, it is expected to fuel housing demand, small business growth, and a significant upgrade in infrastructure ranging from roads to ports.

“This is not just about gas,” said Cameron Parish Port Director Clair Marceaux. “It’s about rebuilding a community and putting us back on the map.”

A Global Footprint for U.S. LNG

CP2 is one of several Gulf Coast LNG projects now in advanced stages of planning or construction, reflecting a growing recognition that American gas — relatively cheap, abundant, and increasingly decarbonized — is a bridge fuel for nations seeking both reliability and emissions reductions.

Venture Global, which has already inked more than $75 billion in LNG contracts, is positioning itself as a next-generation energy company focused on speed, scalability, and modular construction.

"We’re building for decades of global partnership," said Sabel. "This isn’t just an export terminal — it’s a statement that U.S. energy is open for business."

What Comes Next

With construction ramping up, CP2’s first LNG shipments are expected by late 2026 or early 2027. If current market dynamics hold, that timing could prove fortuitous: several long-term forecasts suggest Europe and Asia will continue to face LNG supply gaps through the end of the decade.

In an increasingly volatile world, Louisiana’s Gulf Coast is emerging as a stable, strategic corridor for energy security. And with CP2, Venture Global is making sure it stays that way.