Argent’s LNG Terminal to Strengthen US Energy Dominance, Global Energy Security – Jonathan Bass
…as the company announces plan to take FID on $20 billion LNG Terminal project in 2027.
…says the project will create over 3,000 generational jobs in the United States.
Argent LNG Terminal is at the forefront of strengthening the United States’ energy dominance, as well as global energy security, and reducing dependence on adversaries on energy sources.
In this interview, Jonathan Bass, Chairman and CEO of Argent LNG, shares more insight with Ndubuisi Micheal Obineme, Managing Editor, The Energy Republic, about Argent’s LNG Terminal project development located in Port Fourchon, Louisiana, in the United States.
Bass is a visionary energy leader with over 27 years of experience driving innovation and sustainability in the global manufacturing and energy sector.
A report published by Reuters revealed that Argent LNG is part of a US-led coalition to develop an energy master plan for Syria. The master plan will include oil, gas exploration, and power generation.
His expertise spans alternative energy, energy consulting, and energy innovation, with a focus on responsible energy scaling that balances economic growth, energy security, and affordable and environmental stewardship.
Notably, Bass leads the development of Argent’s $20 billion LNG Terminal, which is a 25 MTPA LNG project — the first of its kind to integrate Baker Hughes’ innovative LM9000 gas generation technologies for enhanced efficiency and reduced carbon intensity.
He is also a strong advocate for energy evolution and rejects the outdated “hydrocarbons vs. renewables” debate, instead pioneering synergistic solutions that bridge traditional and emerging energy sources.
Excerpts:
TER: Can you tell us more about your professional expertise, particularly in areas of specialization in the energy sector? What inspired you to venture into the LNG industry, and how did you influence the establishment of Argent LNG?
Bass: I have spent nearly three decades in the global manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure sectors, leading large-scale projects across oil and gas, clean energy, and critical infrastructure.
My background spans front-end development, project execution, capital structuring, HSSE leadership, and stakeholder engagement across both developed and emerging markets.
What ultimately led me into LNG, and specifically to founding Argent LNG, was the realization that energy security is the foundation of economic stability, national sovereignty, and global peace. LNG sits at the intersection of energy security, affordability, and environmental responsibility.
Argent LNG was established to meet growing global baseload energy demand while doing so in a way that is strategic, values-based, community-aligned, and resilient over decades, not just market cycles.
TER: Interestingly, Argent LNG is constructing one of the most advanced LNG export terminals in the United States, poised to become a key energy supply hub for global energy security. What’s the current state of the project? How would you evaluate the LNG Terminal’s potential in terms of its infrastructure and deliverables?
Bass: Argent LNG is advancing a 25 MTPA world-scale LNG export terminal at Port Fourchon, Louisiana, one of the most strategically important energy logistics hubs in the United States.
We have received approval on pre-filling and waterway assessment by the coastguard. The project has also received Notice of Scoping.
We have advanced the project to FERC filing and are following the regulatory and permitting process.
We are in a phased, modularized development.
We have partnered with US technology providers such as Baker Hughes, Honeywell, UOP, etc. Our modules are manufactured by Baker Hughes and Honeywell for pre-treatment.
Other key progress on the project includes:
- Progress on developing the technology and FEED Class 2 development
- Formal engagement of top-tier U.S. technology providers and OEMs
- Strong bipartisan and state-level support, including a supermajority resolution from the Louisiana State Senate
- Strategic forward-positioning agreements internationally with Türkiye
- Off take HOA for 5 MTPA with Bangladesh
Argent LNG is designed to be modular, scalable, and technologically advanced, enabling cost efficiency, reliability, and long-term competitiveness in global markets.
We plan to expand the LNG Terminal capacity. We have signed an agreement to extend the lands to 900 acres.
From an infrastructure perspective, Port Fourchon offers unmatched advantages, which include deepwater access, hurricane-resilient design, existing energy corridors, skilled labour, and proximity to prolific U.S. gas supply basins.
Argent LNG Terminal is the only project located in a government port in the United States. The Terminal’s proximity to US gas pipelines is 1500 meters.
The Argent LNG Terminal has a 90-year lease with the State Port of Fourchon.
The project will come onstream in the fourth quarter of 2029 – first quarter 2030.
TER: Which specific initiatives are being undertaken to enhance in-country value (ICV) creation and local content practices from the project in the United States?
Bass: The Argent LNG Terminal is located in Port Fourchon, which is a major energy port in the United States. Port Fourchon services 95% of all the Gulf of America platforms.
At Argent LNG, our in-country value creation from our project isn’t a side initiative; it is foundational. We have developed a Louisiana-first priority plan, and our goal is to develop local talent.
Our Louisiana First and America First approach prioritizes include working with:
- U.S.-manufactured equipment and American technology
- Local and regional workforce development
- Louisiana-based contractors, shipyards, suppliers, and service providers
- Long-term operational employment, not just construction jobs
We have also partnered with universities and colleges to develop the talent locally.
The Argent LNG Terminal project will create 3,000 – 4,000 jobs. Our project will create housing opportunities, including new jobs for electricians, farmers, food service, laundry service, shoe repair shops, and dry cleaners, among others. These are generational jobs.
The result is economic multiplier effects across the U.S. industrial base, strengthening domestic manufacturing, skilled trades, engineering capacity, and export-driven growth.
TER: How integrated is the project’s Environmental, Social, and Governance strategy and implementation process, as well as its impact on communities?
Bass: Argent LNG’s ESG strategy is fully integrated into project design, execution, and operations—not layered on after the fact.
This includes:
- Early and continuous community engagement
- Best-in-class safety, environmental controls, and emissions management
- Advanced LNG containment and efficiency technologies
- Workforce training, education partnerships, and long-term community investment
We believe that projects that fail to earn community trust ultimately fail economically. ESG, when done correctly, enhances resilience, lowers risk, and improves long-term performance.
TER: What would be the multiplier effect of Argent LNG Terminal in the United States and the shale gas industry?
Bass: The United States produces natural gas and sits on the best geology in the world.
Argent LNG strengthens the entire U.S. natural gas value chain. Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Ohio, and Pennsylvania will benefit from our LNG Terminal.
Its impact also includes:
- Increased demand stability for U.S. shale gas producers
- Expanded midstream infrastructure utilization
- Long-term price stability through export diversification
- Reinforcement of U.S. leadership in global LNG markets
Our LNG Terminal and other projects will shape the midstream distribution and transportation logistics system in the United States.
The Argent LNG Terminal has a 90-year lease with the State.
This project helps ensure that American gas competes globally, not just domestically, supporting jobs, tax revenues, and investment across multiple states.
TER: How will the eventual completion of the project impact the global energy supply chain, and who are your target markets?
Bass: The key beneficiary markets include U.S. allies in Europe who are seeking to permanently reduce dependence on adversarial energy sources.
Other beneficiary markets of our LNG are emerging economies in Landlocked European countries, Africa, Asia, and Latin America that need reliable baseload power.
Our exports are intentionally values-aligned, prioritizing countries that respect the rule of law, transparency, and international cooperation. Countries of Shared Values
We signed our first contract with the Bangladesh government, which is a 20-year LNG supply agreement for 5 million tonnes a year.
We also signed a Turkish offtake deal. It’s a transportation deal to provide LNG to landlocked customers.
Our target markets include Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine, etc. Our interest is utilising America’s energy to help developing economies, build infrastructure, and provide opportunities for its people.
We are currently in discussion with some African countries.
We believe that the developing nations need reliable and affordable energy.
Argent is looking to partner with countries of shared values for long-term energy security. We would like to do direct deals with the government so that they can be assured that they can build foundational support for their economies.
Once operational, Argent LNG will materially enhance global energy security.
TER: What’s your perspective on the global energy transition and the pivotal role of LNG for energy security?
Bass: The energy transition is not linear, and it cannot succeed without reliable baseload power.
LNG plays a pivotal role by enabling coal-to-gas switching, supporting grid stability alongside intermittent power/renewables, and providing scalable, dispatchable energy for industrial growth
Without LNG, energy generation is left to less efficient coal and dirtier forms of energy, which will result in electrical energy shortages. LNG is not the obstacle; it is the bridge that makes progress possible.
TER: As the Argent LNG CEO, what are your main priorities in 2026 and beyond?
Bass: My top priorities for 2026 are clear and disciplined.
At Argent LNG, we will begin to build a STRONG Team of honest, hardworking, best-in-class team members that will take the strong foundation I have poured and begin to develop the absolute best project.
We will advance FERC and DOE approvals with rigor and transparency, as well as complete FEED class 2 and technical de-risking.
We will make progress on commercial discussions with strategic off-takers and strengthen international partnerships and forward-positioning strategies.
Argent will continue building trust with Louisiana communities and stakeholders.
Ultimately, 2026 is about turning alignment into execution, ensuring Argent LNG is positioned to deliver long-term value to the United States, its allies, and the communities we serve.
We are doing both the FERC and FEED at the same time to get the regulatory approvals. This is done simultaneously.
We have identified JP Morgan as the bank that will lead our FID process. This process takes 18 – 24 months.
We are targeting 2027 to make our Final Investment Decision (FID) on the Argent LNG Terminal.
Our mission is to supply reliable and affordable energy to countries of shared values in developing economies.
