NextDecade Corporation has announced the signing of a significant long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) sale and purchase agreement (SPA) with a subsidiary of Aramco. The agreement outlines the purchase of LNG from Train 4 of NextDecade’s Rio Grande LNG facility, located in South Texas. Under the 20-year contract, Aramco’s subsidiary will procure 1.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of LNG. The LNG will be supplied on a free on board (FOB) basis, with pricing indexed to the U.S. Henry Hub natural gas benchmark. The agreement remains contingent upon a positive final investment decision (FID) on the development of Train 4.

Matt Schatzman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NextDecade, expressed enthusiasm over the agreement, highlighting the significance of securing Aramco as a customer. He stated, “We are extremely pleased to have Aramco as a customer in Rio Grande LNG Train 4.” He added that the continued interest from premier LNG buyers underscores the strength and quality of the Rio Grande LNG project. According to Schatzman, such partnerships further validate the facility’s growing reputation within the global LNG market.

A positive FID for Train 4 is essential for the SPA to move forward. This decision will depend on several key factors, including the successful establishment of necessary commercial agreements and securing sufficient financing to support the construction of Train 4 and its associated infrastructure. The Rio Grande LNG project, developed by NextDecade, is one of the largest proposed LNG export projects in the United States and is designed to be developed in phases, with each train representing a stage of increased capacity.

This agreement with Aramco represents another major milestone for the Rio Grande LNG facility, which has already drawn significant attention from international LNG buyers. The deal not only enhances NextDecade’s portfolio of long-term customers but also signals strong demand for U.S.-produced LNG. Aramco’s entry as a purchaser reinforces the strategic importance of LNG in the global energy mix and supports ongoing efforts to diversify energy supplies while meeting rising global demand.

Overall, this SPA highlights the mutual interest of both parties in expanding access to reliable, long-term LNG supply. It also demonstrates NextDecade’s continued momentum toward the realization of Train 4 at the Rio Grande LNG site, as the company works to finalize key project components needed to proceed with construction and operation.

NextDecade is dedicated to delivering reliable, lower-carbon energy to the global market. The company aims to provide secure, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions by safely and efficiently developing and operating natural gas liquefaction facilities along with carbon capture and storage infrastructure. Through its subsidiaries, NextDecade is actively developing and building the Rio Grande LNG facility—a major natural gas liquefaction and export terminal located near Brownsville, Texas. This project includes a planned liquefaction capacity of approximately 48 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), which is either currently under construction or in various stages of development.