News Summary
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and other officials toured the massive $21 billion Plaquemines LNG export facility in Louisiana, projected to employ up to 6,000 workers daily during construction. MMR Group, the project’s electrical contractor, reports significant growth with a 75% revenue increase, while the region anticipates the need for 50,000 skilled workers. As energy projects expand in Louisiana, concerns about skilled labor availability are addressed through new training initiatives.
Plaquemines, Louisiana – U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, and Governor Jeff Landry toured the Venture Global Plaquemines LNG export facility on March 6, 2025. The facility, valued at $21 billion, is considered the largest industrial project in the United States and is expected to employ up to 6,000 workers daily during its construction phase.
The Baton Rouge-based MMR Group, which was founded in 1991 and is headquartered on Airline Highway in Baton Rouge, served as the electrical contractor for this expansive project. The company has grown significantly, reporting a 75% increase in annual revenue in 2024, totaling over $2.3 billion compared to approximately $705 million in 2015. MMR Group’s current workforce has expanded to roughly 10,000 employees and includes a substantial increase from 3,500 since 2020, reflecting the rising demand in the construction industry.
The ongoing construction boom in Louisiana is largely attributed to competitive natural gas prices, which are notably more favorable compared to those in Europe and Asia. New job creation has been robust, with 22% of new jobs in Louisiana from December 2022 to December 2023 being in construction, particularly in Baton Rouge.
MMR Group’s Expansion and Workforce Development
MMR Group has not only focused on its core competency in oil and gas but has also diversified into the technology infrastructure market. The firm has opened a regional headquarters in Salt Lake City to manage various projects, including the Micron Technology complex in Idaho. Additionally, MMR has gained recognition as a major contractor for AI data centers and is currently involved in a $10 billion planned data center project for Meta in northern Louisiana.
Despite its growth, MMR has faced challenges in keeping up with workforce demands. Training gaps have emerged, prompting initiatives such as the Louisiana Skilled Craft Workforce Development Resource Initiative to enhance skilled labor availability. A pilot program by the ABC Pelican Chapter is also being launched to offer a shortened six-month pipefitting course to expedite workforce preparation.
Impact on Local Economy and Labor Market
As the Plaquemines LNG project moves forward, it is projected to significantly impact the local labor market through 2030. The state estimates a pressing need for 50,000 skilled workers in Louisiana and Texas, with projections possibly reaching up to 100,000 by 2026. New RV parks and campgrounds are being developed across southern Louisiana to accommodate the influx of industrial workers arriving for various ongoing construction projects.
Future Prospects for Louisiana’s Energy Sector
In addition to the Plaquemines LNG project, several other significant energy projects are expected to reach their Final Investment Decisions (FID) in the near future, including Driftwood LNG, Energy Transfer LNG, and Gron Fuels Renewable Diesel Fuel. As MMR Group continues to expand its footprint and secure new contracts, it remains committed to remaining privately owned, avoiding private equity investments, and focusing on sustainable growth in Louisiana’s booming industrial sector.
The ongoing development of the Plaquemines LNG facility and associated projects highlights the essential role of natural gas in shaping the economic landscape of Louisiana, while also addressing the training and employment demands of a rapidly evolving industry.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- NOLA: MMR Electrical Engineering and AI Data Centers
- Wikipedia: Natural Gas
- 1012 Industry Report: Venture Global Construction
- Google Search: Louisiana energy projects
- 1012 Industry Report: ABC Pelican Chapter Awards
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
