During the period from November 8th to 14th, 2025, the following international news occurred:
1. LNG is a “destination not transition fuel”
At the ADIPEC conference in Abu Dhabi, industry leaders proposed that liquefied natural gas has become a "destination fuel" rather than a transition fuel. Companies like NextDecade pointed to sustained strong LNG demand, with new projects planned based on 40-year operational cycles. Abu Dhabi National Oil Company recently signed a long-term agreement with Shell for 1.5 million tonnes per annum of LNG, emphasizing supply security. Despite facing supply growth, the industry remains optimistic about the long-term market.
2. Asian LNG reload exports rebound in 2025 amid regional storage surplus
Asian LNG reloading trade recovered significantly in 2025, reaching 38 shipments by the end of October (compared to 41 shipments in all of 2024). China became the largest reloading exporter (15 shipments) due to ample pipeline gas supply causing domestic prices to invert with international prices, with Japan and South Korea being the main destinations. Regional storage facility expansion and arbitrage opportunities driven by price differentials are fueling reloads, a trend expected to continue into 2026 amid supply surplus.
3. Air Liquide expands in Louisiana with new ASU
France's Air Liquide has commissioned the large Geismar 4 Air Separation Unit (ASU) in Louisiana, producing oxygen, nitrogen, and argon. This project is part of a $270 million investment plan announced in 2019, aimed at supporting the expansion of the Methanex methanol plant. Air Liquide operates 56 facilities in Louisiana.
4. LNG Canada starts up second train
The LNG Canada project has started up its second liquefaction train, reaching a total production capacity of 14 million tonnes per annum of LNG. The project is a joint venture led by Shell (40%) and includes Malaysia's Petronas, among others, sourcing gas via a 670-kilometer pipeline. This is Canada's first large-scale LNG export facility. Seven other LNG projects are currently under development across the country, representing nearly $109 billion in total investment.
5. Tampa Bay Desalination Plant reaches record output with ACCIONA modernization
ACCIONA has completed the modernization of the Tampa Bay Seawater Desalination Plant, restoring its production capacity to the highest level in a decade by replacing reverse osmosis membrane racks, pressure vessels, and upgrading digital systems. Its operations contract was extended until 2029 in 2023. The upgrade ensures regional water supply security. In the US, ACCIONA is also involved in projects such as a bridge in Louisiana and a desalination plant in California.
6. Jubail–Buraydah water project reaches $2.3 billion financial close
The Jubail-Buraidah Independent Water Transmission Project in Saudi Arabia has successfully closed a $2.3 billion financing deal, ranking among the country’s largest water transmission projects. Implemented under the BOOT (Build-Own-Operate-Transfer) model and constructed by a private consortium, the project features a 587-kilometer pipeline with a daily water transmission capacity of 650,000 cubic meters, capable of serving over 2 million people with an operational availability of no less than 98%. Scheduled to start operations in 2029, the initiative aims to enhance water security, increase local content to 70%, and support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 as well as the sustainable guarantee of water resources.
7. WRF to provide up to $400 million as NADBank launches first call for Water Resiliency Projects
The North American Development Bank (NADBank) has launched the first call for proposals under its Water Resiliency Fund, offering up to $400 million to support water conservation projects along the US-Mexico border. The initial phase focuses on the Lower Rio Grande Valley irrigation district in Texas, funding projects like pipeline upgrades and water-saving technologies, covering up to 50% of costs. Applications are open until January 8, 2026, aiming to fill the water infrastructure financing gap in the border region and enhance water resilience in the transboundary area.