Woodside Energy has made rapid progress on its US$17.5 billion Louisiana LNG Project, staging a major ceremony in south-west Louisiana with community leaders and state and federal officials in attendance.
Since the final investment decision was announced on April 29, 2025, the workforce has grown to nearly 900 people, with construction on the first of three liquefied natural gas trains now past 22 per cent completion.
The development will initially deliver 16.5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of LNG from 2029, with expansion potential bringing total permitted capacity to 27.6 Mtpa.
Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill said she was proud to celebrate the momentum on site, describing the project as transformational.
“The project is a game-changer for Woodside, marking our biggest-ever investment in the US and representing the largest foreign direct investment in Louisiana’s history,” said O’Niell.
“It positions Woodside as a global LNG powerhouse and will deliver enduring returns to shareholders.”
She added that Louisiana LNG will play an important role in strengthening both global energy security and the US economy.
“Louisiana LNG will be a significant contributor to US LNG exports, supporting the nation’s role as a leading energy supplier… We appreciate the support the project has received from the local, Louisiana State and US Federal governments.”
Woodside has already completed the sale of a 40 per cent interest in Louisiana LNG Infrastructure LLC to New York-based investment firm Stonepeak and is in discussions with further partners about equity opportunities.
Louisiana LNG president Sarah Bairstow said construction under EPC contractor Bechtel was advancing strongly.
“Woodside is focused on the safe execution and delivery of Louisiana LNG,” said Bairstow.
“The facility is being constructed piece-by-piece in the US, meaning approximately 85% of the construction spend is local.”
US and Louisiana political leaders hailed the investment as a milestone for energy security, job creation, and American LNG exports.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said: “Woodside’s decision to invest in Louisiana is an unmistakable signal to the world that Louisiana is the epicentre of powering the globe.”
Local leaders also welcomed the scale of investment.
Port of Lake Charles executive director Richert L. Self said: “This US$17.5 billion investment underscores the Port of Lake Charles’ status as the world’s leading LNG export hub and propels our region into an even more pivotal role in powering the global economy well into the 2030s.”
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