Wed Apr 30 07:20:00 UTC 2025: **$17.5 Billion LNG Plant Greenlit in Louisiana: Largest Foreign Investment in State History**
BATON ROUGE, LA – Woodside Energy has announced a final investment decision for a $17.5 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and export facility in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. This marks the largest foreign investment in Louisiana’s history, state officials confirmed.
The Louisiana LNG facility, located on a 1,200-acre site south of Lake Charles, has been under construction for three years. Upon completion, it will produce 16.5 million tons of LNG annually, with expansion capacity to reach 27.6 million tons. The project is expected to create 500 to 1,000 permanent jobs and 8,000 construction jobs.
Woodside, an Australian energy company, acquired the project (originally known as Driftwood LNG) last year from Tellurian. Earlier this month, it sold a 40% stake to Stonespeak, reducing Woodside’s capital expenditure and paving the way for the final investment decision. Stonespeak’s contribution will support 75% of capital expenditures through 2026.
The project’s viability is driven by soaring global LNG demand, which has increased by 60% over the past decade and is projected to grow another 50% in the next 10 years. The low price of natural gas in Louisiana and Texas, compared to Europe and Asia, provides a significant competitive advantage.
While state officials celebrate the economic benefits, environmental concerns have been raised. Lori Cooke of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade expressed worry about increased pollution and environmental damage due to dredging and erosion. The project’s impact on air and water quality remains a point of contention.
The Louisiana LNG facility adds to the four existing LNG terminals in the state, highlighting Louisiana’s growing role in the global LNG market. However, the long-term implications of this boom, both economically and environmentally, remain to be seen.
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