ADNOC’s international investment arm, XRG, has acquired an additional 7.6% stake in the Rio Grande LNG Project, building on its earlier 11.7% investment in Phase 1 of the facility. Located in Brownsville, Texas, the Rio Grande LNG facility is one of the world’s largest LNG export terminals. XRG is investing alongside US industry leaders NextDecade, Global Infrastructure Partners and BlackRock. In addition to XRG’s expanded equity stake, ADNOC has also secured a 20-year agreement to purchase LNG from the site.

Why This Matters

With investments like the Rio Grande LNG Project, XRG is helping drive the UAE’s ambitious plan to boost its investments in the US energy sector from $70 billion to $440 billion by 2035. These investments are crucial for supporting the energy transition and supplying the power needed to fuel data centers and AI innovation. The Rio Grande LNG facility is already making a significant economic impact—supporting over 5,000 construction jobs and creating around 700 permanent positions in the Rio Grande Valley.

“By growing our presence in U.S. LNG, we are strengthening a resilient, globally scaled gas platform while further deepening the UAE-U.S. energy partnership—supporting energy security, jobs, and investment‑driven growth.” – Mohamed Al Aryani, President of XRG’s International Gas business

Full Press Release: XRG to Increase Stake in Rio Grande LNG

Abu Dhabi, UAE – January 26, 2026

Key Take Aways

·   XRG to acquire a 7.6% stake in Trains 4 and 5 of Rio Grande LNG project, one of the world's largest LNG export facilities

·   New investment builds on XRG’s initial 11.7% stake in Phase 1 of the project, including Trains 1, 2 and 3

·   Transaction further advances XRG’s strategy to build a top-tier global gas portfolio and expand its footprint in North America

XRG P.J.S.C. (XRG) today announced that it will increase its stake in Rio Grande LNG, deepening its exposure to one of the world’s largest LNG export facilities, located in the Port of Brownsville, Texas. The transaction further strengthens XRG’s position in the global LNG market and marks an important milestone in the execution of its international gas strategy.

XRG will increase its overall participation in Rio Grande by acquiring additional 7.6% equity interests in Trains 4 and 5 of the Rio Grande LNG project from an acquisition vehicle of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a part of BlackRock.

The transaction builds on XRG’s initial investment in Rio Grande LNG, through which the company acquired an indirect 11.7% stake in Phase 1 of the project (Trains 1–3), also through GIP. Additionally, as part of that transaction, ADNOC Trading entered into a 20-year LNG offtake agreement for 1.9 MTPA from Train 4.

Mohamed Al Aryani, President of XRG’s International Gas business, said: “Expanding our investment in Rio Grande LNG reinforces XRG’s commitment to delivering on our global gas strategy and advancing the vital role LNG plays in providing reliable and flexible energy supply to international markets. The project continues to progress well, with strong construction momentum marking steady steps toward bringing new LNG capacity online.”

“By growing our presence in U.S. LNG, we are strengthening a resilient, globally scaled gas platform while further deepening the UAE–U.S. energy partnership—supporting energy security, jobs, and investment‑driven growth.

Trains 4 and 5: scaled capacity and long-term offtake

Trains 4 and 5 each have an expected LNG production capacity of approximately 6 MTPA. Each train has secured long-term LNG offtake agreements with high-credit quality offtakers, providing strong long-term commercial underpinning for the project.

Rio Grande LNG is a significant contributor to the U.S. economy. The project provides more than 5,000 construction jobs and approximately 700 long-term jobs in the Rio Grande Valley.

Financial details of the transaction are not disclosed. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

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