SW LOUISIANA PROJECTS
Completed or Operational:
• Sasol Lake Charles Chemical Complex (including ethane cracker, ethylene, and derivatives units): Completed and operational since around 2020–2022. Parts were transferred to LyondellBasell in 2021. Recent news includes some restructuring/layoffs in 2025, but the facility remains active in petrochemical production.
• Cheniere Sabine Pass LNG (near Cameron, about 50 miles south): Fully operational with expansions (Trains 1–6 complete). Stage 5 expansion (additional trains) is in development/planning, with FERC application filed in 2024 and amended in 2025—no FID yet.
• Other established facilities: Phillips 66 Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex, Westlake (now Westlake Chemical) expansions, and Georgia Gulf (Axiall) chlorine units are operational.
Active or Recently Advanced Major Projects:
• Woodside Louisiana LNG (Calcasieu Parish, near Lake Charles): $17.5 billion FID announced in 2025. This is one of the largest recent investments in the region. Expected to create ~1,000 jobs. Construction underway or imminent.
• Lake Charles Methanol (Port of Lake Charles): $3.2 billion plan announced in 2024 for a low-carbon methanol plant. FEED study and permitting ongoing; construction expected ~4 years, potential operations late 2027. ~123 direct jobs projected.
• Aclara Resources heavy rare earth separation facility (Port of Vinton, Calcasieu Parish): $277 million investment announced in 2025. First U.S. facility of its kind for critical minerals (EV, tech supply chain). ~140 jobs.
• Climeworks Project Cypress Southwest (near Port of Vinton): $50 million+ direct air capture facility (DAC hub expansion). Announced 2024; supports carbon removal tech. ~140 direct jobs projected.