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Schatzman said in NextDecade’s third-quarter update on Thursday that the last few months “have been transformative for NextDecade, as we completed financing and achieved positive final investment decisions (FIDs) on Rio Grande LNG Train 4 and Train 5 without a material impact to NextDecade shares outstanding.”
“Our expected 30 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of liquefaction production capacity from Rio Grande LNG Trains 1 through 5 will place us at approximately 5 percent of projected global liquefaction supply in the early 2030s, and we are focused on potentially doubling LNG capacity at the site, starting with the development and permitting of Trains 6 through 8,” he said.
He said that Rio Grande LNG Phase 1 continues to progress “safely and on budget, and is currently tracking ahead of schedule.”
First two trains almost 56 percent complete
In July 2023, NextDecade took the final investment decision on the first three Rio Grande LNG trains and completed a $18.4 billion project financing.
Phase 1, with a nameplate liquefaction capacity of 17.6 mtpa, has 16.2 mtpa of long-term binding LNG sale and purchase agreements.
Additionally, the firm closed a joint venture agreement for the first phase, which included approximately $5.9 billion in financial commitments from Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), GIC, Mubadala, and TotalEnergies.
Under the EPC contracts with Bechtel, Phase 1 progress is tracked for Train 1, Train 2, and the common facilities on a combined basis and Train 3 on a separate basis.
According to NextDecade, the overall project completion percentage for Trains 1 and 2 and the common facilities of the Rio Grande LNG Facility was 55.9 percent as of the end of September.
Within this project completion percentage, engineering was 95 percent complete, procurement was 88.8 percent complete, and construction was 29.8 percent complete.
Moreover, the overall project completion percentage for Train 3 of the Rio Grande LNG facility was 33.4 percent.
Within this project completion percentage, engineering was 70.8 percent complete, procurement was 67.2 percent complete, and construction was 4.5 percent complete.
First compressor string and turbine for Train 1
During the third quarter of 2025, the construction team continued piping fabrication, rebar installation, equipment setting and concrete placement, and structural steel erection in the areas of Trains 1, 2, and 3.
NextDecade noted that Roof raises were completed for the first two LNG storage tanks.
Across the site, Bechtel also continued installing concrete foundations, instrument air receivers, floodgates, permanent fencing, temporary facilities, and other siteworks.
In September 2025, the first compressor string and turbine for Train 1 arrived onsite.
Also, NextDecade said progress for Train 4 included advancement on engineering drawings, issuance of purchase orders for a range of equipment and materials, and commencement of area clearing.
Expansion
NextDecade is developing and advancing the permitting process for additional liquefaction capacity at the Rio Grande LNG site.
Trains 6 through 8 are currently wholly-owned by NextDecade and are cumulatively expected to increase the company’s total liquefaction capacity by approximately 18 mtpa once constructed and placed into operation.
Train 6 is being developed inside the existing levee at the Rio Grande LNG site and adjacent to Trains 1 through 5.
NextDecade expects to pre-file an application with FERC for Train 6 in 2025 and a full application with FERC in 2026.
The company noted that is evaluating multiple areas on the site for the development of Trains 7 and 8.
NextDecade said there is sufficient space at the Rio Grande LNG site for up to 10 liquefaction trains.