Woodside Energy Invests $17.5 Billion in LNG Facility in Louisiana

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Woodside Energy's LNG facility under construction in Calcasieu Parish.

News Summary

Woodside Energy has announced a historic $17.5 billion investment to develop a liquefied natural gas (LNG) production facility in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. This marks the largest foreign investment in Louisiana’s history and is expected to create around 400 permanent jobs and about 6,500 construction jobs. The facility will produce up to 16.5 million metric tons of LNG per year and signifies Louisiana’s pivotal role in the LNG sector, supporting significant economic growth and innovation in energy.

Lake Charles, Louisiana — Woodside Energy has announced a historic final investment decision of $17.5 billion to develop a liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and export facility in Calcasieu Parish, marking the largest foreign investment in Louisiana’s history. This project is anticipated to produce up to 16.5 million metric tons of LNG per year, solidifying the state’s position as a leader in the LNG sector, which already hosts four operational plants.

Governor Jeff Landry emphasized that this investment reinforces Louisiana’s status as the epicenter of LNG and is expected to result in approximately 400 permanent jobs and around 6,500 jobs during the construction phase. The investment also aims to create thousands of indirect jobs within the surrounding communities, further scaling the local economy.

The announcement is part of a broader wave of economic activity in Louisiana, which includes significant projects like CF Industries’ $4.2 billion low-carbon ammonia plant, Hyundai’s $5.8 billion steel plant, and Meta’s $10 billion AI data center. Collectively, these projects are projected to contribute over $50 billion in investments set to commence before summer, signaling a robust growth trajectory for the state’s economy.

Woodside Energy’s CEO described the facility as a “game-changer” for both the company and the state, highlighting its potential benefits not only for economic growth but also for innovation in the energy sector. The project, recognized as the first greenfield LNG initiative in the U.S. to reach final investment decision since July 2023, is expected to begin construction soon, with production targeted to commence by 2029.

Louisiana’s extensive infrastructure, boasting over 30,000 miles of natural gas pipelines, positions it as a critical player in the LNG market. This strong infrastructural backbone supports the state’s significant role in the energy sector, making it a prime location for further investments in LNG and other energy-related projects.

The Lake Charles LNG facility’s total permitted capacity is 27.6 million metric tons per year, allowing for substantial production capabilities. This investment not only shows Woodside’s commitment to capitalizing on Louisiana’s strategic location but also highlights the state’s growing importance in the global energy market.

Community support for the project has been significant, with local stakeholders expressing optimism about the positive impacts it could bring, including job creation and environmental preservation initiatives. The overall reception indicates a collaborative effort between the state, local communities, and Woodside Energy to ensure that the project aligns with broader regional goals for economic development and sustainability.

As Louisiana continues to attract major investments in the energy sector, the implications of Woodside Energy’s LNG facility are far-reaching, with potential benefits that extend beyond immediate job creation to long-term economic stability and growth within the region.