XRG, the investment arm of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), has acquired an additional stake in Trains 4 and 5 at the Rio Grande liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Brownsville, Texas, deepening its exposure to one of the world’s largest LNG export projects by securing equity across all five units now under construction, according to a press release by XRG.
By completing the deal, XRG has reinforced its strategic foothold in the US LNG sector, in line with its goal of building a top‑tier global gas portfolio with North America as a core growth region. The company views the US as a key market, underpinned by abundant resources, rising power demand, AI‑driven infrastructure expansion, reindustrialization, industrial growth, and a favorable investment climate.
The investment underscores XRG’s confidence in the long‑term role of US LNG in bolstering global energy security. It also highlights the United States’ continued importance in XRG’s global strategy and in deepening US–UAE energy cooperation.
“Completing this transaction marks an important step in the execution of XRG’s global gas strategy and our ambition to build a resilient, integrated, and globally scaled platform across gas, LNG, and chemicals,” Mohamed Al Aryani, President of XRG’s International Gas business, commented.
“The world needs reliable energy resources as well as export infrastructure, pipelines, storage, and market access required to move energy where it is needed. Rio Grande LNG is a textbook example of a world-class infrastructure project that helps connect advantaged U.S. gas supply with international demand,” Al Aryani noted.
With the latest deal, XRG expanded its participation in Rio Grande LNG, operated by US-based NextDecade, by acquiring an additional 7.6% stake in Trains 4 and 5 from a Global Infrastructure Partners vehicle owned by BlackRock. The move builds on its initial investment, which gave XRG an indirect 11.7% interest in Phase 1 covering Trains 1, 2 and 3, also through GIP. The transaction received customary regulatory approvals, including clearance from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).
XRG’s North American portfolio already spans LNG, chemicals and advanced materials, with holdings in Rio Grande LNG and Borouge International’s platform through NOVA Chemicals.
Together, Trains 4 and 5 are expected to deliver about 12 million tonnes per annum of LNG capacity. Each unit has secured long‑term offtake agreements with high‑credit‑quality buyers, providing a strong commercial foundation for the project.
Rio Grande LNG is expected to make a major economic contribution, creating about 7,500 jobs at peak construction and roughly 700 permanent positions in the Rio Grande Valley once operations begin.
