The $44 billion Alaska LNG project is gaining momentum as developers move closer to completing plans for an 800-mile natural gas pipeline linking Alaska’s North Slope to the southern coast.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said optimism is high as the project approaches a major milestone by the end of the year. The long-awaited pipeline will play a central role in delivering natural gas to Alaskans and exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) to markets across the Pacific.

Jointly developed by Glenfarne Group, a U.S. energy firm, and the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation (AGDC), owned by the state of Alaska, the venture aims to unlock the region’s vast gas reserves and transform Alaska into a key LNG supplier for U.S. allies.

Interest from global buyers has been strong. Glenfarne reported that over 50 companies are prepared to sign contracts worth around $115 billion once the project moves forward. Earlier this year, U.S. officials visited several Asian countries, including Japan and South Korea, to attract investors and secure long-term supply deals.

The project has received firm backing from the Trump administration, which views it as a strategic initiative to expand U.S. energy exports and strengthen trade ties with Asia. Still, analysts note that Alaska’s harsh climate and high construction costs pose challenges that investors will weigh carefully.

Once completed, the Alaska LNG project is expected to become one of the largest energy infrastructure developments in the United States — boosting jobs, revenue, and America’s position in the global LNG market.