U.S. exports of piped natural gas to Mexico are expected to grow by 20% during the 2022-2026 period, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

The projection is “partly driven by new LNG export terminals in Mexico relying on U.S. feed gas supplies, including the Energía Costa Azul liquefied natural gas project (4.4 Bcm/year) and Altamira floating LNG (5.5 Bcm/year),” researchers said in IEA’s latest medium-term gas market forecast.

The Altamira project is slated to begin operation this year, according to developer New Fortress Energy Inc., while Sempra expects the Energía Costa Azul (ECA) terminal to enter service in late 2025.

“Incremental piped gas deliveries to Mexico should be supported by the North Baja Xpress expansion project in 2023 (5 Bcm/yr) and...