Linde’s $400 Million Investment Ignites Louisiana’s Energy Future

Louisiana is surging to the forefront of the global energy transition, driven by a series of transformative investments in clean energy and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Leading the charge is Linde’s $400 million air separation unit (ASU) in Ascension Parish, a cornerstone project that underscores the state’s commitment to low-carbon innovation. Announced on June 23, 2024, this investment is part of a broader wave of multi-billion-dollar projects, including Woodside Energy’s Louisiana LNG and others, positioning Louisiana as a hub for American energy dominance. Here’s how Linde’s project is catalyzing this energy revolution and what it means for the state and beyond.

Linde’s $400 Million Clean Energy Anchor

Linde, a global leader in industrial gases and engineering, is investing $400 million to build a state-of-the-art ASU in Ascension Parish’s 17,000-acre RiverPlex MegaPark in Donaldsonville. This facility, the largest of its kind in southeast Louisiana’s Mississippi River corridor, will supply oxygen and nitrogen to Blue Point Number One, a joint venture between CF Industries, JERA, and Mitsui & Co. The $4 billion Blue Point project aims to construct the world’s largest low-carbon ammonia plant, producing 1.4 million metric tons annually. Low-carbon ammonia, produced with advanced carbon capture technology, is a vital fuel and hydrogen carrier for decarbonizing industries like shipping and power generation.

Construction on the ASU is set to begin in early 2026, with operations expected by 2029. The project will create 15 high-paying jobs, with salaries over 45% above the local average, and an estimated 50 indirect jobs, delivering a significant economic boost to Ascension Parish. Louisiana Economic Development (LED) secured the investment through incentives like the Industrial Tax Exemption and Quality Jobs programs, highlighting the state’s appeal for clean energy projects. Alongside Hyundai’s $5.8 billion steel plant in the same MegaPark, Linde’s ASU positions Louisiana as a leader in sustainable industrial innovation.

A Broader Energy Boom: LNG Projects Powering Growth

Linde’s investment is part of a larger wave of energy projects transforming Louisiana into a global energy powerhouse. Over the past year, several multi-billion-dollar LNG developments have solidified the state’s role in meeting global energy demand.

Woodside’s $17.5 Billion Louisiana LNG

On April 29, 2025, Woodside Energy greenlit a $17.5 billion Louisiana LNG project in Calcasieu Parish, the largest single foreign direct investment in Louisiana’s history. This 16.5 million ton per annum (Mtpa) facility, targeting first LNG in 2029, was acquired from Tellurian for $1.2 billion in 2024. Stonepeak’s $5.7 billion investment for a 40% stake covers 75% of capital expenditures in 2025 and 2026, while a gas supply agreement with BP for 640 billion cubic feet and a 1 Mtpa offtake deal with Germany’s Uniper ensure robust supply and demand. The project will create 500 to 1,000 permanent jobs and 8,000 construction jobs, generating billions in tax revenues and reinforcing U.S. energy leadership. Nathan’s Newsletter: Woodside greenlights $17.5 billion investment in Louisiana, Stonepeak’s $5.7B stake in Louisiana

Commonwealth LNG’s $11 Billion Export Terminal

In June 2025, Commonwealth LNG secured final Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approval for its 9.5 Mtpa LNG export terminal in Cameron Parish. This $11 billion project, set to begin operations in 2029, has long-term contracts with Glencore, JERA, and Petronas, promising $3.5 billion in annual export revenue. With 70% of needed contracts secured, a final investment decision is expected by year-end 2025. The project will create hundreds of jobs, strengthening Louisiana’s dominance in U.S. LNG exports, which account for 61% of the nation’s total. Nathan’s Newsletter: Boosting American Energy: FERC’s Latest

Venture Global’s $28 Billion CP2 and $20 Billion Plaquemines LNG

Venture Global’s $28 billion CP2 LNG project in Cameron Parish, approved by the U.S. Department of Energy in March 2025, will deliver 20 Mtpa, with operations starting in 2027. The project, fed by the CP Express pipeline from Texas, will create 400 permanent jobs, 3,000 indirect jobs, and 7,500 construction jobs, generating over $4 billion in local property taxes. Meanwhile, the $20 billion Plaquemines LNG terminal, operational since late 2024, produces 20 Mtpa and supports global energy security, though it faces criticism for exceeding air pollution permits 139 times in 2022.

Why Louisiana Shines

Louisiana’s 30,000 miles of natural gas pipelines, 6% of U.S. gas reserves, and four operational LNG terminals… the most in any state… make it a magnet for energy investments. The Henry Hub, a global gas pricing benchmark, enhances its strategic edge. Governor Jeff Landry’s “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, backed by a pro-fossil fuel U.S. administration, has accelerated these projects. LED’s incentives and robust infrastructure have attracted global players like Linde, Woodside, and Venture Global, positioning Louisiana at the intersection of clean energy and LNG innovation.

Economic and Global Impact

Linde’s ASU and the LNG projects are transforming Louisiana’s economy, creating thousands of jobs and billions in tax revenues. Linde’s focus on low-carbon ammonia supports the clean energy transition, while LNG developments meet rising global demand, particularly in Europe and Asia. Together, they strengthen U.S. energy security and influence in global markets.

The Road Ahead

Linde’s $400 million investment is a pipeline of Louisiana’s clean energy future, complemented by LNG giants like Louisiana LNG, Commonwealth LNG, and CP2. These projects showcase American ingenuity and resource abundance, positioning Louisiana as a global energy leader. As construction ramps up toward 2029, the state’s energy revolution is just beginning.

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Sources:

• Louisiana Economic Development: www.opportunitylouisiana.gov

• Business Report: www.businessreport.com

• CF Industries: www.cfindustries.com

• JERA: www.jera.co.jp