PUBLISHER: Orion Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1715266
PUBLISHER: Orion Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1715266
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Application (Transportation, Power and Gas Generation, and Industrial) Forecast Period (2025-2035)
Industry Overview
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) market size was valued at $135.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $290.0 billion in 2035, growing at a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period (2025-2035). LNG market growth is majorly supported by global efforts to diversify energy sources in the power generation sector, geopolitical disruptions, investments by countries into LNG infrastructure, and shifts towards cleaner energy sources. According to the IEA's worldwide Energy Outlook 2024-2028, worldwide LNG production capacity would rise by nearly 193 MTPA between 2024 and 2028, rising from approximately 474 MTPA of nameplate capacity at the beginning of this year to 666.5 MTPA by the end of 2028. Based on its stated policy scenario, the IEA also anticipates that global LNG trade will reach 482 MTPA by 2050.
Market Dynamics
Energy Supply Diversification Initiatives
The global emphasis on diversifying energy supplies paves the way for LNG market growth. The emphasis is largely driven by the replacement of conventional fuels with LNG in sectors such as power generation and industrial manufacturing, as the fuel type results in reduced GHG emissions and assists in compliance with environmental regulations. Further, the changing dynamics for reducing emissions through stricter policies paired with the implication of carbon neutrality targets are projected to support extensive growth in the LNG market. For instance, the European Commission approved a $4.2 billion German aid measure under EU State aid rules to support four Floating Storage Regasification Units (FSRUs) for LNG import by Deutsche Energy Terminal (DET). This initiative aids the REPowerEU Plan by diversifying energy supplies and enhancing gas security, addressing disruptions from Russia's invasion of Ukraine and pipeline gas supply cuts.
Expansion in LNG Market Footprint
In recent years, the infrastructure and demand for LNG have exponentially increased based on the change in global energy supply dynamics owing to geopolitical tensions and country-level focus on energy diversifications. These shifts have developed novel import markets, infrastructure, and production capabilities across geographies that have assisted economies in fulfilling their energy requirements alongside transitioning into cleaner pathways. Collectively, the emergence & development of these new markets & supportive infrastructure is projected to act as a key enabler for market players to expand their business footprint. For instance, the World Energy Outlook (WEO)-2023 highlights that the natural gas market, hit hard by the energy crisis and Russia's supply cuts, will ease by 2025. Over 250 billion cubic meters of new LNG capacity will come online by 2030, adding around 45% to global LNG supply, helping stabilize market pressures, and addressing security and price concerns.
Market Segmentation
Power & Gas to Lead the Market with the Largest Share
Power & gas generation remained the primary application of LNG across the global market owing to the preference for LNG over fossil fuels in power generation plants, GHG emission reduction initiatives, and expansion in accessibility of LNG in emerging markets. For instance, the US is the world's leading producer of natural gas, which utilizes roughly one-third of the country's natural gas for primary energy consumption, including heating and electricity generation.
The global LNG market is further divided by geography, including North America (the US and Canada), Europe (the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, ASEAN Countries, and the Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America)
North America is the Biggest Market for LNG
North America dominates the global LNG market owing to the availability of substantial natural resources for LNG production in countries such as the US and Canada, growing ties of regional countries for exporting energy in other markets, strong geopolitical connections of regional countries, and the establishment of supportive policies for LNG production, trade, and export. Further, the recent changes in policy structure by the US for LNG exports are projected to aid in the growth of LNG market players in the region. For instance, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has lifted the LNG export pause, resuming consideration of applications for exporting LNG to non-FTA countries, following President Trump's directive for American energy dominance.
Asia-Pacific Region Dominates the Market with Major Share
The Asia-Pacific LNG market is projected to grow extensively in the forecast period owing to growing demand for energy in Asian countries, increasing share of imports of LNG by Asian countries such as China, and regional goals for diversifying energy sources & reducing GHG emissions from the power generation sector. For instance, in November 2024, TotalEnergies signed a sales agreement with Sinopec to deliver 2 million tons of LNG per year for 15 years, starting in 2028. This deal strengthens TotalEnergies' position in China, the world's largest LNG market, and follows a strategic cooperation agreement between the two companies.
The major companies operating in the global liquefied natural gas market include Chevron Corp., Exxon Mobil Corp., QatarEnergy LNG, Shell Group, and TotalEnergies SE, among others. Market players are leveraging partnerships, collaborations, and mergers and acquisition strategies for business expansion and innovative product development to maintain their market positioning.
Recent Developments