Trump Claims Taiwan Agrees to Purchase Major Share of Alaska LNG

Former President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Taiwan has agreed to purchase 30 percent of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) from an Alaska pipeline project over the next 20 years. Trump made the declaration during a campaign rally in Wasilla, Alaska, describing the commitment as "one of the biggest commitments in history for anything."

Trump stated that Taiwan would also invest $4.4 billion into the Alaska LNG project, which is expected to cost between $44.5 billion and $54.5 billion. The roughly 800-mile pipeline is designed to export up to 20 million metric tons of LNG annually. Trump credited Sen. Dan Sullivan, a Republican, for his work on the project and asserted that all necessary federal permits have been granted.

This announcement follows a previous deal where Taiwan's state energy firm, CPC Corp, signed an agreement last year with Alaska Gasline Development Corp to buy LNG and invest in the project. At that time, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te stated the investment would bolster the island's energy security.

However, Taiwan's economic ministry, responsible for energy policy, had no immediate comment on Trump's latest announcement. Additionally, recent reports citing Reuters indicate that South Korea has stated "no decision has been made on whether to invest or on the size of the investment" regarding the pipeline. Trump commented on this potential development on October 2, saying, "If they don’t want to do it, that’s okay with me. I’ll just charge them more."

The Alaska pipeline project is 75% owned by Glenfarne Group, with the state of Alaska holding the remaining interest through the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation. The pipeline is intended to facilitate the export of US-made LNG to Asian markets, including Taiwan, bypassing traditional shipping routes like the Panama Canal.

State legislators have raised concerns about the costs associated with the pipeline, according to Alaska Public Media. The developer, Glenfarne, estimates the initial phase of the pipeline construction alone could range from $13.2 billion to $16.9 billion.