This month, Woodside celebrated significant progress on the Louisiana LNG project by hosting an official groundbreaking ceremony that included elected officials, project partners, and community leaders.
Since the announcement of a final investment decision in April, the construction workforce for Louisiana LNG has expanded to nearly 900 personnel, with over 22 percent of work on the first of three LNG trains now completed.
CEO Meg O’Neill welcomed a distinguished group of guests, including Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, secretary of Louisiana Economic Development Susan Bourgeois, Australia’s Consul General and Trade and Investment Commissioner to Houston Gabrielle Hall, and Deputy Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Houston Markus Hatzelmann.
The $17.5 billion project marks Woodside’s largest investment in the United States, with O’Neill emphasising its significant impact on the local economy. “We’re spending about 85 percent of our construction budget right here in the United States,” she stated.
Throughout its construction phase, Louisiana LNG is expected to support thousands of jobs and generate billions of dollars in revenue for local communities over the project’s lifespan. To date, Louisiana LNG has invested nearly half a billion dollars in the state, working with over 130 Louisiana businesses, which underscores Woodside’s commitment to local content and supplier development.
Governor Landry welcomed Woodside and the Louisiana LNG project, stating, “Woodside’s decision to invest in Louisiana is an unmistakable signal to the world that Louisiana is the epicenter of powering the globe.”
The project aims for first LNG production in 2029, with an initial three-train development capable of producing 16.5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa). It is also fully permitted for a total capacity of 27.6 Mtpa, which includes expansion potential for two additional LNG trains.
Speaker of the US House of Representatives Mike Johnson, who joined the celebration virtually, recognised the project’s importance for Louisiana, the United States, and the global energy landscape. “Some of you have traveled from across the globe to witness this groundbreaking and take part in an important moment for the advancement of American prosperity,” he noted. “Here today, less than one year since President Trump returned to the Oval Office, we are already celebrating the groundbreaking of Louisiana LNG, which represents the largest single foreign direct investment in the history of our great state.”
Following the formal proceedings, O’Neill and the guests participated in a ceremonial dirt turning for Louisiana LNG, marking a significant milestone for the project. O’Neill expressed gratitude to those who attended the celebration and acknowledged the ongoing support received from local, state, and federal governments, recognising the potential contributions of Louisiana LNG to the economy and energy supply.
As the project progresses, Woodside remains focused on executing and delivering Louisiana LNG safely while actively marketing US LNG in Europe and Asia. The company looks forward to celebrating future milestones as it works towards the goal of first LNG production in 2029.
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