NextDecade Advances Rio Grande LNG Expansion With FERC Pre-Filing for Train 6

NextDecade has initiated the FERC pre-filing process for Train 6 at its Rio Grande LNG project, advancing plans to expand U.S. liquefaction capacity and Gulf Coast export infrastructure.

NextDecade Corporation has formally initiated the pre-filing process with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the next phase of expansion at its Rio Grande LNG project in Brownsville, Texas, marking a key regulatory step toward adding a sixth liquefaction train and an additional marine berth. 

The company said it expects to submit a full FERC application in 2026, advancing long-term plans to potentially double build-out at the 1,000-acre site, where five trains are currently under construction.

“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,” said Matt Schatzman, NextDecade’s chairman and CEO. “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 Rio Grande LNG project is designed for up to 10 liquefaction trains and direct access to the Brownsville Ship Channel. The site connects to prolific Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale natural gas supplies and features two LNG loading jetties, full containment storage tanks, and integrated pretreatment and utility systems.

NextDecade’s move to begin the FERC pre-filing process signals continued momentum for U.S. LNG export growth along the Gulf Coast, where pipeline operators and midstream developers are advancing new takeaway and feedgas projects to support the next wave of liquefaction capacity.