Washington, D.C. – Today, USEA announced Charif Souki, Co-Founder and Chairman of Tellurian Inc., as the recipient of the 2020-2021 United States Energy Award in recognition of his outstanding lifetime efforts to advance energy initiatives and for his support of USEA.

Mr. Souki is widely acknowledged as the architect of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) export industry in the United States. He founded Cheniere Energy in 1996, which became the first entity to begin exporting LNG from the U.S. following the shale revolution. Mr. Souki served as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President, and ultimately built an LNG complex with an enterprise value of $30 billion. 

He co-founded Tellurian Inc. in February 2016 and serves as Chairman. Tellurian is developing an integrated global gas business beginning with an LNG export facility in Lake Charles, Louisiana. 

A private award ceremony will be held today at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., which is publicly available via livestream.

The United States Energy Award was established in 1989 to recognize preeminent energy leaders and their contribution to the understanding of energy issues. The United States Energy Award Selection Committee is composed of national energy leaders, who examine each nominee for a track record in leadership and a history of proven accomplishments, including international contributions. The nominee’s support of USEA’s mission is also a major consideration.

USEA Board Member Dan Yergin, Vice Chairman of IHS Markit and Pulitzer-prize winning author of The New Map, said:

“Charif has had an historic and positive impact on the energy position of the United States in the global economy. With commitment and entrepreneurial energy -- and confidence and perseverance -- he was at the forefront in making U.S. LNG happen – benefitting the domestic industry, leading the United States to become a major force in the global gas market, and creating durable new links between the United States and many other countries."

USEA Acting Executive Director Sheila Hollis issued the following statement:

“Charif Souki’s courage, leadership, dedication, and many accomplishments make him an extraordinarily well-deserved recipient of the 2020-2021 U.S. Energy Award. His vision to export LNG to the entire world, thereby sharing a resource that will reduce global emissions, took commitment, grit, guts, and intelligence to bring to fruition. Thank you, Charif, for your work, your vision and your ongoing commitment to make the world more able to meet its energy supply needs into the future.”

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