Leaked state plan raises questions about Glenfarne’s Alaska LNG role

A leaked state document raised fresh questions about whether Glenfarne will keep leading Alaska LNG, the $44 billion gas line project that starts with North Slope gas and could shape jobs, contracting and future revenue expectations in the borough.

The dispute lands on a project that was already supposed to be moving forward under a March 27, 2025 agreement that made Glenfarne the majority owner and lead developer. Under that deal, the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation divested 75% of 8 Star Alaska to Glenfarne, kept a 25% stake and made the company responsible for leading and funding development of the 807-mile pipeline, plus a North Slope gas treatment plant and an LNG export terminal in Nikiski.

The leaked document laid out how the state could take back control if the project failed under certain conditions. AGDC completed the transition of project functions and assets to Glenfarne management by July 1, 2025, and the agreement also includes mechanisms for AGDC to resume control if Glenfarne misses milestones.

In Juneau, lawmakers entered a second special session over a gas-line tax break. The House Finance Committee advanced a bill on June 11 that would cut project taxes by about 85% for 30 years, but by June 16 to 18 senators were still saying the chamber lacked the votes and the measure remained stalled. The same week, Glenfarne put the project's full cost at $44.5 billion to $54.5 billion, with the pipeline alone estimated at $13.2 billion to $16.9 billion.

The line begins with North Slope gas. AGDC president Frank Richards said the leak could damage the state’s relationship with Glenfarne and signal to future investors that Alaska cannot be trusted. Sen. Bert Stedman called the document significant and said it should be taken seriously, while Sen. Bill Wielechowski said the leak was helpful because it brought hidden information into the open.