The U.S. energy landscape is set for a pivotal shift in 2025, with natural gas production and demand reaching unprecedented levels. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), output will climb to 104.5 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd), marking another milestone in the country’s energy evolution. While demand is set to rise modestly, the surge in liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports underscores America’s growing role in global energy markets. Meanwhile, coal production is expected to plummet to a 60-year low, reinforcing the ongoing transition towards cleaner energy sources.
U.S. dry natural gas production will continue its upward trajectory, increasing from 103.1 bcfd in 2024 to 104.5 bcfd in 2025. This growth reflects sustained investments in domestic gas infrastructure and heightened industrial consumption. Demand will follow suit, reaching 90.6 bcfd, a new record, driven primarily by power generation and industrial usage. As reliance on natural gas strengthens, the industry is poised to play a crucial role in the evolving energy mix.
LNG exports are on track to shatter records, hitting 14.1 bcfd in 2025, a significant leap from the 12.0 bcfd expected in 2024. The global appetite for U.S. natural gas remains robust, with demand surging in Europe and Asia as countries seek stable and cleaner energy alternatives. This expansion solidifies the U.S. as a dominant LNG exporter, reinforcing its position in global energy security and supply chains.
The transition towards renewable energy sources is accelerating the decline of coal production, which is projected to reach just 476.2 million short tons in 2025. As coal-fired power plants continue to be phased out in favour of cleaner alternatives, this marks a historic downturn for the industry. In tandem, CO2 emissions from fossil fuels are expected to rise slightly to 4.791 billion metric tons in 2025 before stabilising in 2026, reflecting the complex interplay between energy demand and decarbonisation efforts.
The U.S. energy sector stands at a critical juncture. While natural gas continues to surge, its role in balancing economic growth with sustainability is under the spotlight. The record LNG exports highlight America’s growing influence in the global energy market, while the decline of coal signals an irreversible shift toward cleaner energy. As the world navigates an evolving energy future, the U.S. remains a key player in shaping the transition.
Diversified Energy Company plc (LON:DEC) is an independent energy company engaged in the production, marketing, transportation and retirement of primarily natural gas and natural gas liquids related to its U.S. onshore upstream and midstream assets.
