In a strategic push to solidify America’s role as the world’s leading energy exporter, U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has spotlighted Greece as a pivotal gateway for ramping up liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments to Europe. During a high-profile visit to Athens this week, Burgum, a key energy advisor to President Donald Trump, toured a major LNG terminal on the outskirts of the Greek capital and underscored the nation’s untapped potential as a distribution hub. “The Trump administration has a couple of goals relative to energy,” Burgum remarked, emphasizing “energy abundance — to sell energy to our friends and allies so they do not have to buy from our adversaries.”
This vision aligns with the broader U.S. energy policy under the Trump administration, which prioritizes flooding global markets with affordable American natural gas to counter reliance on Russian supplies—especially critical since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine disrupted Europe’s energy flows. Today, U.S. LNG accounts for more than half of the European Union’s total LNG imports, a dramatic shift that has positioned the U.S. as the bloc’s top energy partner.
Burgum’s trip highlights Greece’s strategic geography: its LNG facilities are linked to a bidirectional pipeline network that stretches across the Balkans and even reaches Ukraine, making it an ideal conduit for redirecting American gas to energy-hungry Eastern Europe.
Greece’s Rising Star in the LNG Landscape
Greece has been aggressively investing in its energy infrastructure to capitalize on this opportunity. The country, once heavily dependent on Russian gas, has pivoted toward diversification with EU subsidies and private investments fueling expansions. A brand-new import terminal in Alexandroupoli, in northern Greece, exemplifies this commitment, connecting to pipelines that can distribute gas southward to the Mediterranean and northward toward the Black Sea region.
Burgum praised these developments, noting that Greek companies and the nation itself could play a vital role in enhancing energy security for the continent.
Adding momentum, a landmark EU-U.S. trade deal finalized this summer commits the bloc to purchasing up to $750 billion in American energy over the coming years, with LNG at the forefront.
This agreement not only boosts U.S. exports but also stabilizes European prices amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. For Greece, the deal opens doors for joint ventures; recently, U.S. energy major Chevron partnered with Greek firm Helleniq Energy in a bid to explore offshore natural gas reserves off Greece’s western coast and south of Crete. Though Libya has raised objections over maritime boundaries, the project could unlock domestic production to complement imports.
U.S. LNG exports to Europe have already hit record highs, with August 2025 volumes reaching 9.33 million tons—a surge driven by Europe’s phase-out of Russian pipeline gas.
As the U.S. continues to expand its export capacity, Greece’s role as a “hub” could accelerate this trend, potentially lowering costs for EU consumers and fortifying NATO allies against energy weaponization.
Investment Opportunities in LNG for Greece and the EU
Are you Paying High Taxes in New Jersey, New York, or California?
For investors eyeing the intersection of U.S. exports and European demand, the Greece-EU corridor presents compelling opportunities in the LNG sector. With pipelines and terminals expanding, companies involved in liquefaction, shipping, and regasification stand to benefit from increased volumes. Here’s a look at some standout players poised to capitalize on this dynamic:
Cheniere Energy (NYSE: LNG): As the undisputed leader in U.S. LNG production and exports, Cheniere operates the massive Sabine Pass and Corpus Christi facilities, which have been key to supplying over 55% of the EU’s LNG needs.
The company’s long-term contracts with European buyers, combined with its expansion projects, make it a prime pick for sustained growth. Shares surged following the EU-U.S. deal, reflecting investor confidence in its role as Europe’s go-to supplier.
With Greece’s new terminals demanding more U.S. cargoes, Cheniere’s export dominance positions it for outsized returns.
Venture Global LNG: This fast-rising U.S. exporter has inked a five-year deal with Greece’s Gastrade SA to supply up to 1 million metric tons of LNG annually to the Alexandroupoli terminal, directly tying it to Burgum’s hub vision.
Venture Global’s low-cost Calcasieu Pass and Plaquemines LNG projects are ramping up, and its stock jumped 5% post-EU deal announcement.
For those betting on Greece-specific flows, Venture Global offers targeted exposure to Balkan and Eastern European markets.
Chevron (NYSE: CVX): Beyond its global LNG portfolio, Chevron’s joint exploration with Helleniq Energy in Greek waters signals deeper involvement in the Mediterranean.
As a diversified major with stakes in U.S. export terminals like Sabine Pass (via partnerships), Chevron benefits from the broader EU import surge while potentially unlocking Greek upstream assets. Its stable dividends and scale make it a defensive yet growth-oriented choice.
Kinder Morgan (NYSE: KMI): Focused on midstream infrastructure, Kinder Morgan owns pipelines and storage that feed U.S. LNG plants, indirectly supporting exports to Europe.
With Europe’s infrastructure buildout (including Greek pipelines), the company’s fee-based model ensures steady cash flows, appealing to income-focused investors amid rising transatlantic trade.
These companies are well-positioned as U.S. LNG volumes to Europe are projected to grow further, but investors should monitor regulatory hurdles—like Libya’s claims—and global demand fluctuations. While environmental groups urge caution on new U.S. projects, the geopolitical imperative for secure supplies favors LNG’s near-term dominance.
Burgum’s Athens visit isn’t just diplomacy—it’s a blueprint for American energy dominance. As Greece emerges as Europe’s LNG linchpin, the ripple effects could redefine transatlantic trade for years to come.
Energy News Beat is your source for unbiased energy market insights. Follow us for updates on global LNG trends and investment opportunities.
Avoid Paying Taxes in 2025
Crude Oil, LNG, Jet Fuel price quote
ENB Top News
ENB
Energy Dashboard
ENB Podcast
ENB Substack