Woodside Energy Group announced a $17.5 billion final investment decision on April 28, 2025, to build the Louisiana LNG export terminal in Calcasieu Parish, southwest Louisiana. The Australian company stated that construction is already underway on the foundational development, with first production targeted for 2029. Louisiana Economic Development described the project as the largest single foreign direct investment and the largest greenfield project in the state’s history.
What it means
The facility will initially produce 16.5 million metric tons of liquefied natural gas per year, with total permitted capacity reaching 27.6 million metric tons annually. Woodside acquired the project through its 2024 purchase of Houston-based Tellurian Inc., which had previously developed the site as Driftwood LNG. The announcement marks the first greenfield LNG project to reach final investment decision under President Trump’s second administration.
Louisiana currently operates four LNG export terminals, more than any other state, and accounts for 61% of U.S. LNG exports. The state ranks third in national natural gas production and holds 6% of all U.S. reserves, supported by a pipeline network exceeding 30,000 miles. Woodside has over 35 years of LNG industry experience, having pioneered Australia’s sector with the North West Shelf Project, which shipped its first cargo to Japan in 1989. In October 2024, Woodside invested $650,000 in five community grant programs in Louisiana supporting environmental preservation, coastal protection, education, and workforce development along the Gulf Coast. The company also supported the Region 5 STEM Center’s innovation lab for Southwest Louisiana students and partners with the Calcasieu Parish School Board through its LEAD High School Council.
Key facts
- $17.5 billion final investment decision by Woodside Energy Group
- 16.5 million metric tons per year initial production capacity; 27.6 million Mtpa total permitted capacity
- Located in Calcasieu Parish, southwest Louisiana
- First production targeted for 2029
- Largest single foreign direct investment and largest greenfield project in Louisiana history
- Construction underway on foundational development
- Woodside acquired the project via its 2024 purchase of Tellurian Inc.
Source: Louisiana Economic Development news release (opportunitylouisiana.gov)