The United States is reaching out to South Korean, Japanese, and other Asian companies to secure backing for a planned US$40 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Alaska, Energy Secretary Chris Wright revealed on Wednesday.

Speaking at a press briefing in New York, Wright said the development — which involves a pipeline linking the North Slope’s vast natural gas reserves to southern Alaska — is expected to break ground within the next 12 months.

“We’re talking to multiple Asian partners, including Korean and Japanese firms, and the prospects look very strong,” he said. “Once underway, the project will take a few years to complete, but it’s well positioned to deliver competitively priced gas to key allies in East Asia.”

The Alaska LNG project is viewed as a cornerstone of Washington’s drive for “energy dominance,” a policy championed by President Donald Trump to expand America’s role in global energy markets. With shorter shipping routes to Asia compared to other U.S. export terminals, officials believe Alaska’s gas exports could strengthen energy security for countries like Japan and South Korea while boosting U.S. trade influence.

Construction is anticipated to begin within the year, marking one of the largest energy infrastructure investments in U.S. history.