Australia's Woodside Energy has held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark significant progress on its USD 17.5 billion Louisiana LNG project, with construction now more than 22% complete on the first of three planned LNG trains. The project, located in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, represents Woodside's largest-ever investment in the United States and the largest foreign direct investment in Louisiana's history.

Project Ownership and Structure

The Louisiana LNG project, formerly known as Driftwood LNG, is owned by Louisiana LNG Infrastructure (InfraCo), which consists of Stonepeak holding a 40% interest and Louisiana LNG (HoldCo), the holding company operated by Woodside Energy. Woodside completed the sell-down of a 40% interest in Louisiana LNG Infrastructure to Stonepeak in June and continues discussions with potential partners interested in acquiring equity in the project holding company.

Following a final investment decision made in April 2025, the construction workforce has expanded to almost 900 personnel. The project is being constructed under contractor Bechtel, with approximately 85% of the construction spend occurring locally in the United States.

Production Capacity and Timeline

The project, based in southwest Louisiana, is targeting first LNG production in 2029 from a three-train foundation development with a capacity of 16.5 million tonnes per annum. With expansion capacity for two additional LNG trains, the project is fully permitted for a total capacity of 27.6 million tonnes per year. Meg O'Neill, Woodside CEO, stated 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.

It positions Woodside as a global LNG powerhouse and will deliver enduring returns to shareholders.” Sarah Bairstow, Louisiana LNG's President, emphasized that “Woodside is focused on the safe execution and delivery of Louisiana LNG. Construction activity under our contractor, Bechtel, is proceeding at a pace. The facility is being constructed piece-by-piece in the US, meaning approximately 85% of the construction spend is local.

At the same time, we continue to actively market US LNG in Europe and Asia, targeting delivery from 2029 onwards.”

Supply Agreements and Partnerships

Woodside has secured several key supply agreements for the Louisiana LNG project. The company recently signed a deal with BP for gas to feed the Louisiana plant. Additionally, Woodside has penned a deal to supply Petronas with 1 million tonnes per annum of LNG for 15 years, starting in 2028. Aramco has expressed interest in a potential equity interest in an offtake from Louisiana LNG, indicating growing international interest in the project's output.

Government Support and Economic Impact

The project has received strong support from U.S. government officials. Chris Wright, US Secretary for Energy, highlighted that “Expanding US LNG exports expands American prosperity, supports jobs in the Gulf Coast region, and strengthens the energy security of our allies and trading partners around the world. Projects like this send a signal to the rest of the world that the US is once again open for business and prepared to lead the world with President Trump's American energy dominance agenda.”

Doug Burgum, US Secretary of the Interior, emphasized that “Louisiana LNG is another win for President Trump's American Energy Dominance Agenda. Woodside Energy is breaking ground on a new LNG export terminal in the Gulf of America, creating more jobs for American workers and helping us sell energy to our friends and allies.” According to O'Neill, Louisiana LNG is expected to support tens of thousands of high-quality jobs in the US, strengthen global energy security, and generate billions of dollars in local and national revenues, delivering long-term benefits to the communities where the company operates.

The project will be a significant contributor to US LNG exports, supporting the nation's role as a leading global energy supplier. The Louisiana LNG project represents a substantial component of the ongoing LNG construction boom reshaping the U.S. Gulf's energy landscape, as America's energy policy continues to assert its dominance across the global power sector.

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