Indian American businessman Sharad Tak has reached a major milestone with his $8.2 billion energy project in Texas. His company, ST LNG, has received US federal approval to develop a large liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility off the Texas coast. The US government announced the approval on October 28, 2026. Once completed, the facility could help the United States export more natural gas to countries in Europe and Asia, including India.

What Is Sharad Tak’s $8.2 Billion Texas LNG Project?

The ST LNG Texas project will be located about 10.4 miles off the coast of Matagorda, Texas, roughly 100 miles southwest of Houston. The company plans to build a deepwater port that can produce and export 8.4 million metric tons of LNG every year.

The facility will have four LNG processing units, with each unit producing about 2.1 million metric tons annually. LNG is simply natural gas that companies cool until it turns into liquid. This makes it easier to transport in large ships. When the gas reaches another country, facilities turn it back into gas for homes, businesses and industries.

US Government Approves ST LNG Deepwater Port Project

On October 28, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the Maritime Administration (MARAD) had approved the company’s deepwater port license application. The agency completed its environmental review in just 410 days. According to the US Department of Transportation, the process took about 70% less time than earlier reviews.

This approval is an important step for ST LNG. However, it doesn’t mean construction has already started. The company still needs to arrange funding and secure customers before moving ahead with the project.

How Will the Texas LNG Project Benefit the US Economy?

The $8.2 billion Texas LNG project could bring new jobs and investment to the United States. According to the US Department of Transportation, the facility is expected to support around 2,000 construction jobs. Once it starts operating, it could also provide up to 855 permanent jobs.

The project could increase America’s LNG export capacity by about 7% to 9%. ST LNG also plans to build offshore storage and loading facilities. Keeping large LNG ships away from busy onshore ports could help reduce vessel traffic and improve safety. These benefits will depend on the project moving forward as planned.

Could the Project Strengthen India–US Energy Trade?

The project could also create new opportunities for India–US energy trade. India needs natural gas for industries, power generation and other uses. The country also wants to buy energy from different suppliers rather than depend too much on one market. ST LNG is looking for long-term buyers in Asia and Europe. Indian energy companies could become customers in the future.

If the company signs agreements with Indian buyers, the project could help increase US LNG exports to India. However, potential sales should not be treated as confirmed deals until the companies announce signed agreements.

Who Is Sharad Tak, the Indian American Entrepreneur Behind ST LNG?

Sharad Tak was born in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, in 1944. He studied electrical engineering at IIT Bombay before moving to the United States in 1966. He later earned a master’s degree in computer science from the University at Buffalo. Tak began his career in technology and went on to build several businesses. One of his early companies provided technology services to US government agencies, including NASA. 

Over the years, he expanded into energy, manufacturing, real estate and other industries. Now, through ST LNG, the Indian American entrepreneur is working on one of the biggest projects of his business career.

When Will the ST LNG Project Begin Operations?

The company still has several steps to complete before construction can move forward. ST LNG needs to secure financing and sign long-term agreements with customers who want to buy its natural gas. The company is aiming to make its final investment decision by mid-to-late 2027.

The US Department of Transportation has mentioned 2029 as an expected start date for operations. ST LNG has also indicated that commercial operations could begin around mid-2030. The actual timeline will depend on funding, customer agreements and construction progress.

What Happens Next for the Texas LNG Project?

For now, the federal approval brings Sharad Tak’s LNG project closer to becoming a reality. ST LNG will focus on finding buyers, arranging financing and preparing for construction. The company may develop the facility in stages as it secures more long-term sales agreements.

If everything goes according to plan, the project could become an important part of America’s LNG export industry and create new opportunities for energy trade with India.

Sharad Tak’s $8.2 billion Texas LNG project has cleared a major government approval stage. If completed, it could create jobs, increase US natural gas exports and support stronger energy ties between India and the United States.

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