The LNG sector is facing a number of challenges

Demand for LNG in the US has soared since Russia invaded Ukraine, as Europe looks to the US to replace Russian gas. By 2023, the United States will be the world's biggest LNG exporter, ahead of Australia. However, the difficulties in the sector are multiplying. While the moratorium decided by the Biden administration was blocked by a federal judge, the uncertainty created by the idea of a moratorium has effectively frozen project development activity, with no permit applications having been filed since. The commissioning of the Golden Pass project in Texas, developed by ExxonMobil and QuatarEnergy, has been delayed by six months following difficulties with Zachry Holdings, the terminal builder. The Rio Grande project, in which TotalEnergies has a 17% stake, is also experiencing difficulties after a US court challenged the operating permits. TotalEnergies has confirmed, however, that the project will be commissioned on schedule in 2027. However, the court ruling could set a precedent that could affect other projects.