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Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX:WDS) has given the green light to develop the Louisiana LNG Project, a facility with a capacity of 16.5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa), with production slated to commence in 2029.
The $17.5 billion asset has an expansion capacity up to 27.6 Mtpa, and is set to position Woodside as a global LNG powerhouse, delivering around 24 Mtpa from its portfolio in the 2030s—representing over 5% of global LNG supply.
The company expects the project to book around $2 billion in revenue at full capacity, contributing $8 billion to coffers over the next decade.
The investment has an internal rate of return above 13% and am expected payback period of seven years.
Stonepeak will invest $5.7 billion toward the project, accelerating funding through 2025 and 2026, while Woodside’s share of total capital expenditure is estimated at $11.8 billion.
Woodside emphasised that its greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets remain unchanged following the decision.
CEO Meg O’Neill says Louisiana LNG is a “game-changer” that bolsters Woodside’s portfolio by adding US low-cost gas assets to its Australian base, offering marketing opportunities across the Pacific and Atlantic basins.
The project, the largest single foreign direct investment in Louisiana’s history, is anticipated to support around 15,000 jobs during construction and highlights the project as the first greenfield US LNG project final investment decision since July 2023.
Woodside has been trading at $20.40 at the time of writing.
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