Argent LNG Blog

  • Trump's Key to Trade is LNG, but Europe Needs to Rethink Its Net Zero Strategy

    by Jonathan Bass

    The LNG market can help reduce the U.S. trade imbalance by boosting energy exports to high-demand regions like Europe and Asia. With growing global energy needs, U.S. LNG exports provide a stable supply while strengthening domestic industries like shipbuilding and steel. Expanding LNG trade creates jobs, enhances economic growth, and reduces reliance on competitors like Qatar and Russia. By investing in LNG infrastructure and a U.S.-controlled shipping fleet, America can secure long-term economic and geopolitical advantages.

  • Ukraine’s Gas Transit Expiry: A New Era for U.S. LNG in Europe and the World

    by Jonathan Bass

    The expiration of Ukraine’s gas transit deal signals a new chapter in Europe’s energy journey. As the region moves away from Russian gas, U.S. LNG is set to play a pivotal role in ensuring energy security and stability. But the EU must embrace it and lean in. 

    This moment also highlights the importance of collaboration. By working together, the U.S. and Europe can build a resilient energy system that supports their shared goals of sustainability and security. While challenges remain, the transition offers an opportunity to strengthen transatlantic ties and reshape the global energy landscape for the better.

  • Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): A Bridge Fuel or a Missed Opportunity?

    by Jonathan Bass

    LNG: A Bridge to a Cleaner Future?

    Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is often seen as the key to transitioning to a low-carbon future, but its climate credentials depend heavily on how it’s produced. U.S. gas, already 41% cleaner than other global LNG offerings, has made strides in reducing methane emissions—a major contributor to global warming.

    The challenge lies in balancing strict regulations, like the Biden administration's methane fee, with realistic incentives for innovation. The Trump administration's focus on energy independence and affordability could shift attention toward investing in technologies to make LNG cleaner, rather than imposing unsustainable fees.

    LNG offers developing countries a cleaner alternative to coal, reducing pollution and emissions. However, achieving this potential requires pragmatic, affordable policies and global collaboration. Let’s ensure LNG is part of the solution, not the problem.

     

  • What If Trump Does Get It Right? The Future of Climate Policy Under a Trump Administration

    by Jonathan Bass
    As COP29 is over and the Biden Administration is in its final days, the world will watch to see whether the U.S., under Trump, can champion a vision that turns climate ambition into actionable outcomes. A Trump-led approach would undeniably challenge the status quo. By focusing on accountability, market-driven solutions, and pragmatic environmental initiatives, his administration could redefine the terms of global climate discussions. Whether this approach leads to progress or polarization will depend on its execution and international reception. However, it offers a thought-provoking alternative to traditional climate strategies, suggesting that a balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship might indeed be achievable.

  • The Root Causes of High Energy Prices in Europe: A Structural and Strategic Analysis

    by Jonathan Bass
    While Europe has made significant strides in transitioning to cleaner energy, its structural inefficiencies in resource access, market design, and investment strategies continue to challenge energy reliability, affordability and stability. Addressing these foundational issues through coordinated policies, streamlined processes, and market reforms will be essential to achieving a resilient and sustainable energy system. If Europe continues to have unrealistic 2050 objectives it will find itself without affordable LNG to generate the energy needed to drive growth.

  • Why COP29 is Not Addressing How Renewables Have Failed Germany Over the Past Two Days

    by Jonathan Bass
    The past two days in Germany have highlighted the unique challenges of an energy system heavily reliant on renewable power sources, especially during times of low wind and sunlight. Dense fog across large parts of the country and minimal wind meant the contribution from solar and wind energy was dramatically reduced, leaving Germany with minimal renewable feed-in.

  • Germany’s Energy Transition Causes the Recent Collapse of Germany's Coalition Government

    by Jonathan Bass

    The recent collapse of Germany's coalition government, led by the "traffic light" coalition (comprising the SPD, Greens, and FDP), was largely influenced by a mix of economic and political tensions that included significant disagreements over climate policies, financial management, and energy strategy. While green initiatives like carbon credits and the broader climate agenda played a role, the primary factors were deeper budgetary constraints and disagreements on the pace and funding of Germany’s energy transition.

  • Will the Trump Administration View Carbon Credits as a Consumer Tax, Potentially Driving Inflation Further?

    by Jonathan Bass
    In the competitive global LNG market, it’s essential to note that U.S. LNG is already 41% cleaner than other LNG sources. However, for U.S. consumers, regulatory measures around carbon credits and offsets may feel more like a tax, burdening them further. Although global markets are likely to continue prioritizing low-emission LNG, the U.S. administration could consider deprioritizing climate-driven costs to mitigate inflation impacts on consumers.

  • Will a Trump Administration Risk the Gains with Black and Hispanic Voters by Rolling Back Environmental Justice Policies?

    by Jonathan Bass
    Trump’s handling of environmental justice could serve as a litmus test for how Republicans plan to balance economic development with the evolving needs and expectations of Black and Hispanic communities. The choices made in this area could have lasting implications—not just for environmental policy, but also for the broader political landscape.

  • Trump will have a significant impact on delivering base load energy, LNG, to countries that lack stable energy supplies but have shared values with the United States.

    by Jonathan Bass
    Ultimately, under a Trump-like administration, the U.S. could become a prominent supporter of base load energy access for allied nations, using LNG exports to secure political alliances and reduce global dependence on coal or Russian gas. This approach would likely encourage a robust energy infrastructure buildout and reinforce the idea of the U.S. as a reliable energy partner in a volatile global market.

  • The Dream of Diversifying and Sourcing New LNG Supplies and the Reality on the Ground.

    by Jonathan Bass
    Despite these risks, upcoming U.S. projects like Argent LNG, Driftwood LNG, and Plaquemines LNG are expected to bolster U.S. capacity, helping to meet global demand. For buyers, diversification of supply is critical to ensuring energy security and managing price risks, especially as the world transitions toward more sustainable energy sources. This diversification will be key to navigating the volatility and challenges in the global LNG market as geopolitical and environmental pressures reshape the industry.

  • How Would a Trump Administration Approach U.S. LNG and Energy Exports?

    by Jonathan Bass
    If the political landscape shifts to a Trump administration or a similar regulatory approach, we will likely see a return to a revitalization of LNG export expansion policies. During his tenure, former President Trump emphasized “energy dominance,” advocating for energy policies that prioritized U.S. fossil fuel exports, including LNG.