Woodside Breaks Ground on $17.5 Billion Louisiana LNG Megaproject

Woodside Energy (ASX: WDS) has marked a major milestone in its $17.5 billion Louisiana LNG Project with a groundbreaking ceremony, celebrating rapid construction progress on what will become one of the largest liquefied natural gas export facilities in the United States.

The project, located in Calcasieu Parish, southwest Louisiana, is advancing swiftly following Woodside’s April 2025 final investment decision. Nearly 900 workers are already on site, with construction on the first of three LNG trains now more than 22% complete. The foundation phase will deliver 16.5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of LNG capacity by 2029, with permits in place to expand output to 27.6 Mtpa across five trains.

A Strategic Bet on U.S. LNG

CEO Meg O’Neill called the venture a “game-changer” for Woodside, positioning the Australian major as a global LNG powerhouse and cementing the company’s biggest-ever U.S. investment. She emphasized the project’s long-term contribution to energy security, shareholder value, and regional economic growth.

The facility, designed and built under EPC contractor Bechtel, will source roughly 85% of its construction spend locally, with tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs expected over the project lifecycle. The development is projected to generate billions in state and federal revenues.

Investor Partnerships Taking Shape

In June, Woodside sold a 40% stake in Louisiana LNG Infrastructure LLC to New York-based investment firm Stonepeak. The company continues discussions with other potential equity partners to bring in “high-quality” investors to the project company, Louisiana LNG LLC.

Political Backing and Energy Dominance Narrative

The groundbreaking drew senior figures from state and federal government, underscoring the project’s role in advancing U.S. energy policy. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum framed the investment as a cornerstone of President Trump’s “American Energy Dominance” agenda, emphasizing jobs, exports, and geopolitical leverage.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson hailed the project as transformative for Louisiana’s economy, while Senator Bill Cassidy and Congressman Clay Higgins highlighted its role in strengthening U.S. energy leadership.

Local leaders, including Sulphur Mayor Mike Danahay and Port of Lake Charles Executive Director Richert L. Self, welcomed Woodside’s investment as further proof of southwest Louisiana’s status as a global LNG hub. The port, already among the top U.S. LNG exporters, will serve as the terminal’s anchor.