News Summary

Woodside Energy has begun construction on a $17.5 billion liquefied natural gas facility in Sulphur, Louisiana, marking the largest foreign investment in the state’s history. The project is set to produce its first LNG by 2029, significantly contributing to LNG production and exports. Governor Jeff Landry and Woodside Energy CEO Meg O’Neill participated in the groundbreaking ceremony. The facility will create thousands of jobs and bolster U.S. LNG exports, enhancing global energy security.

Sulphur, Louisiana

Woodside Energy has officially launched construction on its $17.5 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in Sulphur, marking the largest foreign investment in Louisiana’s history. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on September 15, 2025, with participation from Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and Woodside Energy CEO Meg O’Neill.

Project Overview

Located on a 1,200-acre site near Carlyss and on the west bank of the Calcasieu River, the new facility is designed to significantly contribute to liquefied natural gas production and exports. Construction commenced in 2022, following the acquisition of the original project developer, Tellurian, by Woodside Energy in 2024. The project is expected to produce its first LNG by 2029, with three LNG trains planned to facilitate a total production capacity of 16.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa).

Timeline and Capacity

As of September 2025, the first LNG train is reported to be over 22% complete. Future milestones for the facility include the anticipated production of the second LNG train by 2030 and the third train by 2031. There is also room for expansion, with two additional LNG trains planned that could increase the total permit capacity to 27.6 mtpa.

Economic Impact

The investment by Woodside Energy is projected to create approximately 4,400 direct jobs on-site, along with an additional 15,000 jobs related to the facility operations. Since the final investment decision on April 29, 2025, the construction workforce has grown to nearly 900 personnel.

Contributions to Energy Security

The Louisiana LNG project aims to bolster both U.S. LNG exports and global energy security. O’Neill noted that the favorable availability of natural gas resources, along with supportive state policies, significantly influenced the decision to locate the facility in Louisiana. Governor Landry has expressed optimism about the potential for economic growth, particularly in light of previous uncertainty and opposition regarding LNG export approvals.

Louisiana’s Investment Climate

The economic development secretary reported that since the beginning of Governor Landry’s administration, Louisiana has surpassed $63 billion in outside investment. This includes other notable projects such as a Meta A.I. data center, a Hyundai steel plant, and a blue ammonia plant, demonstrating Louisiana’s appeal as a prime location for significant investments.

Historical Context

Governor Landry compared the current LNG development to past innovations that, while initially met with skepticism, ultimately reshaped industries. He reinforced the importance of the LNG facility in reinforcing Louisiana’s energy leadership on the global stage and meeting energy demands over the next decade.

Conclusion

With the successful launch of the Louisiana LNG facility, Woodside Energy is set to play a crucial role in reshaping the energy landscape of both Louisiana and the broader United States. The project’s ambitious timeline and significant economic contributions underscore a turning point for the region as it positions itself as a leader in the global energy market.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• KPLC TV
• Wikipedia: Liquefied Natural Gas
• Shreveport Times
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Natural Gas
• Fox 8 Live
• Google Search: Louisiana LNG expansion
• WAFB
• Google Scholar: LNG projects in Louisiana
• Louisiana Illuminator
• Google News: LNG projects Louisiana

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.