Historic Investment: Woodside Energy Announces $17.5 Billion Final Investment Decision for LNG Facility in Southwest Louisiana; Becomes Largest Foreign Direct Investment in State History

LAKE CHARLES, La. – Woodside Energy Group announced its $17.5 billion final investment decision for the foundation of its new liquified natural gas (LNG) production and export facility in Calcasieu Parish, named Louisiana LNG, that is expected to produce up to 16.5 million metric tons (Mtpa) of LNG per year.

This announcement takes its place in both state and national history as being the first greenfield LNG project to reach final investment decision under President Trump’s second administration and the largest single foreign direct investment and greenfield project in Louisiana history. 

“Woodside’s decision to invest in Louisiana is an unmistakable signal to the world that Louisiana is the epicenter of powering the globe,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “Our ‘all of the above’ approach to energy is working. We have four active LNG terminals in Louisiana – more than any other state. With more than 30,000 miles of natural gas pipelines, Louisiana is the place to be when it comes to LNG. We are working with President Trump to deliver on America’s energy potential!”

Louisiana LNG is expected to generate significant economic growth and create new opportunities for the state. The project will support thousands of jobs during the construction phase, as well as thousands more once operational. Importantly, the project will also contribute significantly towards both national and state economic growth and generate billions in additional state and local tax revenues.

“Louisiana LNG is a game-changing development for Woodside and for the state of Louisiana,” said Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill. “We are beyond appreciative of the support we have received from Governor Landry, the state of Louisiana and the local community. We look forward to being a strong community partner, driving economic growth and creating new opportunities for the state of Louisiana.”

Australia-based Woodside’s decision continues Louisiana’s momentum of transformational economic development projects that are creating statewide opportunities, building national supply chains and having global impact. These milestone announcements include Meta’s $10 billion AI data center in northeast Louisiana and Hyundai Steel Company’s nearly $6 billion investment to establish its first North American manufacturing facility in Donaldsonville that will create more than 1,300 direct new jobs.

“Louisiana is in a new economic era, where our competitive advantages and comprehensive business ecosystem is generating transformational opportunities for Louisiana that have a global impact,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “Louisiana’s growth in the LNG sector is reinvigorating our historic status as a worldwide energy leader, and Woodside choosing Calcasieu Parish shows that the work of this administration is positioning Louisiana to win.”

Louisiana LNG will add to the state’s diverse and expansive energy portfolio. Louisiana currently has four operational LNG export terminals, more than any other state, and is responsible for 61% of the nation’s LNG exports. The state ranks third in the nation for natural gas production and holds 6% of all U.S. natural gas reserves.

Woodside has a long history in Louisiana with its existing offshore business and is committed to being good corporate citizens. In October 2024, the company invested $650,000 into Louisiana communities to fund five community grant programs and enable initiatives that support a broad range of needs in communities along the Louisiana Gulf Coast, including environmental preservation, coastal protection, education and workforce development.

The company recently supported the Region 5 STEM Center to develop a new innovation lab that will enhance STEM education opportunities for all Southwest Louisiana students and teachers. Woodside is also a Partner in Education with Calcasieu Parish School Board through the Woodside LEAD (Leadership, Enrichment and Development) High School Council, an initiative designed to identify and cultivate the next generation of leaders in the local community.

“We congratulate and welcome Woodside Louisiana LNG to Calcasieu Parish and southwest Louisiana as it moves through its final investment decision,” Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Judd Bares said. “This project will provide quality, well-paying jobs for the area and will also help to grow our local economy. We’re looking forward to the positive impact it’ll have on our community.”

Woodside acquired the Lake Charles project, formerly known as Driftwood LNG, with its acquisition of Houston-based Tellurian Inc. in 2024. The project has a total permitted capacity of 27.6 million Mtpa. Construction is already underway on the foundational development with the first production target in 2029. 

“We are extremely excited to see Woodside Energy’s Louisiana LNG facility reach the FID milestone,” Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance CEO Scott Walker said. “It is a tremendous investment for Calcasieu Parish and Southwest Louisiana. It will strengthen our regional economy, create great jobs, and provide clean, American energy for our strategic allies. Projected to produce 16.5 million Mtpa of LNG per year, Woodside will be able to provide for the growing energy demands around the world while being good stewards within our community.  Woodside has been a strong community partner and a strong environmental steward, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in the coming years.”

About Woodside Energy  

Woodside is a global energy company providing reliable and affordable energy to help people lead better lives. The company is leveraging its track record of world-class project execution and operational excellence to build a diverse global portfolio. Woodside has over 35 years of experience in the LNG industry, including pioneering Australia’s LNG industry as operator of the North West Shelf Project which shipped its first LNG cargo to Japan in 1989. The company is executing major projects today, while pursuing growth opportunities that will deliver long-term value for shareholders. Woodside maintains a strong balance sheet and a disciplined investment approach.

About LED

Louisiana Economic Development is responsible for driving capital investment, job creation and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana and employers of all sizes. Explore how LED is positioning Louisiana to win at OpportunityLouisiana.com.