Driving the LNG industry forward at Gastech 2025 and beyond

Sarah Bairstow, President of Louisiana LNG, Woodside Energy and Gastech 2025 Executive Committee Chair shares her perspectives on the changing landscape of the LNG industry and the importance of Gastech in driving the industry forward.

With the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) industry experiencing monumental growth, what do you consider the main drivers?

The LNG industry landscape has evolved significantly with demand growing more than 60% in the last decade and forecasts estimating a further 50% growth by 2033. This growth is not only notable, but also impressive, particularly given the response needed to adapt to rapidly changing global energy markets. As an industry, we’ve proven that despite geopolitical issues and global uncertainties, LNG remains a consistent and reliable energy of choice.

Asia remains at the forefront of this demand as countries in the region work to reduce their reliance on coal and lower carbon emissions while also stimulating economic growth through use of affordable energy sources such as LNG. Europe continues to see strong demand as the continent positions to advance energy transition efforts in parallel with enhancing energy security. We’re also seeing increased natural gas demand to support AI and data centres, particularly in the US.  Playing an important role in delivering on this growth is the advancement of new LNG projects and associated infrastructure to meet demand alongside technological advancements, such as the use of AI to optimize operations, allowing for greater efficiency and lower costs.

How is global policy impacting the industry?

In recent years, we have seen many countries adopting stricter environmental regulations and setting ambitious targets to reduce emissions. For example, both the European Union and China are targeting carbon neutrality by 2050 and 2060, respectively. These ambitions are having a significant impact on the progression of the LNG industry and are influencing the portfolios of energy companies around the world, particularly the ability to respond to a shifting global landscape. Additionally, LNG demand is being spurred by the desire for energy security by countries globally, due to ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.  However, this drive causes challenges that the industry will need to strategically consider and overcome, including potential trade barriers.

With growing demand for LNG, how is Woodside diversifying its LNG portfolio?

Woodside is one of the most established LNG suppliers in the world with over 35 years’ experience and currently operates some of the most reliable LNG assets. Underpinned by our our conviction that LNG will continue to play an important role in the energy transition, and seeing the benefits of US LNG, Woodside announced a final investment decision (FID) on the 16.5 Mtpa Louisiana LNG foundation development in April of this year. The decision will diversify the company’s LNG portfolio and position the company as a global LNG powerhouse, enabling us to deliver approximately 24 Mtpa from our global LNG portfolio in the 2030s, and operating over 5% of global LNG supply.

The LNG facility, located in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, has a total permitted capacity of 27.6 Mtpa and comprises four phases of development with five LNG trains. With our $17.5 billion investment, we are excited to be growing our presence in Louisiana, the true epicenter of US LNG responsible for 61% of the country’s LNG exports.  Following our FID announcement, we issued the Final Notice to Proceed to Bechtel enabling the project to move into full scale construction targeting first LNG in 2029.

Why should industry players attend Gastech?

The evolution of the LNG industry is fast paced – to ensure success, collaboration across the public and private sectors, together with continued innovative thinking, will be vital as we explore new technologies, overcome challenges and deliver the energy the world so greatly needs. Gastech 2025, which will bring together 50,000 attendees and thought leaders from across the industry and globe, serving as a catalyst for furthering the progress we want to see.  Together, we will continue to drive the industry forward through learning, dialogue and advocacy.