Argent LNG and the Government of Albania Sign MOU to Develop LNG Terminal Supporting W Balkans Energy Security & Ukraine

Terminal to be positioned as a flagship Three Seas Initiative project, interconnecting TAP, IAP, the Fier–Vlorë corridor to deliver US LNG across the region

METAIRIE, LA, UNITED STATES, September 9, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — TIRANA, Albania – September 9, 2026 – Argent LNG, developer of a 25 million tonne per annum (MTPA) liquefied natural gas export terminal at Port Fourchon, Louisiana, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with the Government of the Republic of Albania to jointly evaluate the development of a large-scale onshore LNG storage and regasification terminal on the Albanian coast.

The proposed terminal, with regasification capacity of up to approximately 5 MTPA and significant LNG storage capacity, is envisioned primarily as a strategic regional energy-security asset. Its principal purpose would be to provide flexible LNG storage, regasification and supply capabilities that can strengthen security of supply across the Western Balkans and Southeastern Europe, particularly during periods of peak demand, supply disruption or market stress.

Albania’s role in the project is principally that of a host country and regional energy gateway, rather than a primary LNG offtaker. Albania’s domestic electricity system is predominantly supplied by renewable energy, and the proposed infrastructure is therefore intended to leverage Albania’s strategic Adriatic location and existing and planned gas infrastructure to provide greater flexibility and resilience to neighboring markets.

The facility is expected to be interconnected with the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), the Ionian Adriatic Pipeline (IAP), and the Fier–Vlorë gas corridor, creating the potential for LNG received on the Albanian coast to be stored and subsequently delivered to multiple markets across the region. This infrastructure would establish an additional, non-Russian source of natural gas supply and provide the region with greater capacity to respond to changing energy needs.

The proposed infrastructure is also intended to contribute to the energy security of Ukraine, including through potential reverse-flow, swap and other regional gas-market arrangements that could enable U.S.-sourced LNG received through the Adriatic and Western Balkan network to ultimately support Ukrainian energy needs. The project would therefore form part of a broader regional architecture designed to strengthen European and Ukrainian energy resilience.

The agreement builds on Argent LNG’s previously announced memoranda of understanding with Naftogaz Group of Ukraine, signed in July 2026, and Transgaz of Romania, signed in August 2026, positioning Albania as the Adriatic and Western Balkan entry point in a single U.S.-anchored regional supply architecture. Albania is a member state of the Three Seas Initiative, and the Parties intend to develop and position the terminal as a flagship Three Seas energy security project.

The MOU is entered into in support of U.S. and transatlantic efforts to strengthen energy security and expand access to secure, U.S.-sourced LNG for allies and partners.

The Parties will establish a joint working group to advance feasibility and site assessment, technical interconnection planning, and a financing structure incorporating support from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), and the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM), with the terminal’s development timeline aligned to Argent LNG’s targeted first cargo from Port Fourchon in 2030.

“Albania has the opportunity to do for Southeastern Europe what it does not need to do for itself — to serve as a secure, U.S.-anchored supply point that strengthens the energy security of its neighbors and stands with Ukraine at a moment when energy has been used as a weapon against this region. We are proud to partner with the Government of Albania on a project that reflects both American energy leadership and Albania’s role in advancing Three Seas and transatlantic energy security objectives.”

said Jonathan Bass, Chairman & CEO of Argent LNG.

“This Memorandum of Understanding reflects Albania’s commitment to strengthening energy security and security of supply across our region. The development of significant LNG storage and regasification capacity in Albania would provide the region with greater flexibility in managing periods of high demand and potential supply disruptions, while creating an important additional route for secure, diversified and U.S.-sourced energy. Through our existing and planned gas infrastructure, Albania can serve as a gateway connecting the Adriatic with regional markets, including the potential to support Ukraine’s energy security. We welcome this partnership and see it as an important step in strengthening transatlantic energy cooperation and positioning Albania as a reliable host for critical regional energy infrastructure.”

said Enea Karakaçi, Minister of Infrastructure and Energy of the Republic of Albania.

The MOU is non-binding and establishes a framework for the Parties to jointly evaluate, structure, and pursue the terminal’s development. Binding commitments, including any definitive supply, financing, or construction arrangements, will be set out in subsequent agreements to be negotiated by the Parties.

About Argent LNG

Argent LNG is developing a 25 MTPA liquefied natural gas export terminal at Port Fourchon, Louisiana (FERC Docket No. PF25-11), with first cargo targeted for 2030. Argent LNG is building a portfolio of government-to-government and commercial partnerships across Europe, the Middle East, and West Africa to deliver secure, U.S.-sourced LNG to allied and partner nations.

jonathan bass
Argent LNG, LLC
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Written By: EIN Presswire