On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, the Port of South Louisiana transformed into a hub of energy and excitement as nearly one hundred stakeholders gathered to celebrate a historic $1.35 billion investment by Woodland Biofuels.
Set against a cloudless blue sky, the event marked a significant step toward diversifying Louisiana’s energy industry. With industry leaders, local officials, and community members in attendance, the project was praised as a forward-looking partnership, bolstered by hard work and a collective spirit of innovation.
“This significant investment by Woodland Biofuels to construct the world’s largest carbon-negative renewable natural gas plant and a large-scale green hydrogen facility at our Globalplex Intermodal Terminal proves that the Port of South Louisiana and the State of Louisiana are leading the way in diversifying our energy industry,” said Paul Matthews, CEO of the Port of South Louisiana. “This will result in over one hundred high-paying jobs for River Region families, further cementing our region’s economic vitality and commitment to sustainability.”
Building Partnerships for Progress
The successful launch of Woodland Biofuels’ project at the Port of South Louisiana is a testament to the power of partnerships. Local leaders, including the nine Port Commissioners led by Chairman P. Joey Murray III, St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre, and Parish Assessor Lucien J. Gauff III, joined the celebration.
Together with business leaders and local officials, they underscored the critical role of teamwork and collaboration in securing an investment of this magnitude for the region.
“It takes partnerships to bring a project of this scale to St. John,” said Parish President Jaclyn Hotard. “It requires everyone in the room pulling in one direction and that’s exactly what we’re doing. Our partnerships are our strength.”
The event underscored the importance of local commitment to economic development projects that not only support the regional economy but also position Louisiana as a leader in renewable energy innovation. The Port of South Louisiana, with its deep infrastructure and proximity to both the Mississippi River and Gulf Coast, provides Woodland Biofuels with unique logistical advantages to distribute renewable fuels to U.S. and international markets.
LED’s Five Pillars of Growth and Innovation
Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bonnett Bourgeois emphasized that Woodland Biofuels’ project aligns seamlessly with the five pillars guiding LED’s vision for economic growth and sustainability in Louisiana. These pillars, which serve as benchmarks for all major economic development projects, are designed to drive long-term success and resilience.
1. Positioning Louisiana to Compete and Win: “From the Port of South Louisiana, Woodland Biofuels can ship its products up the Mississippi to access 17 interior U.S. states or down into the Gulf of Mexico for overseas export,” said Bourgeois. This strategic location enables the Port of South Louisiana to attract projects that can capitalize on both domestic and global demand for cleaner energy.
2. Job Creation and Wage Growth: By creating 110 high-paying direct jobs and an additional 259 indirect positions, along with 500 construction jobs, the project will generate quality employment that supports families and boosts local economies. This increase in job opportunities aligns with LED’s mission to ensure that all Louisiana residents have access to well-paying, sustainable careers.
3. Creating Thriving, Future-Ready Regions: Woodland Biofuels’ investment will have a lasting impact on the economic landscape of the River Region, advancing LED’s goal of fostering resilient and economically diverse communities. The project promises to strengthen the region’s reputation as a destination for innovative, environmentally-conscious companies.
4. Optimizing Louisiana’s Legacy Industries to Lead into the Future: “Louisiana is proud of its heritage as an oil and gas state, and we’re just as proud of our leadership in energy innovation,” said Bourgeois. As a state with a rich history in traditional energy production, Louisiana is now working to merge its legacy expertise with forward-thinking technology and sustainable energy practices.
5. Driving Global Impact through Business Ecosystem Growth: “The products made here in St. John the Baptist Parish will contribute to renewable energy affordability worldwide,” said Bourgeois. “Louisiana’s multigenerational workforce and abundant resources position it uniquely to support growth and innovation on an international scale.”
These pillars were reflected in every aspect of the Woodland Biofuels project, underscoring the alignment of state and industry goals for economic and environmental progress.
Louisiana’s Strategic Advantages: A Perfect Match for Woodland Biofuels
Greg Nutall, CEO of Woodland Biofuels, elaborated on the criteria that led his company to select Louisiana as the location for this transformative project. For Woodland Biofuels, Louisiana provided four essential components that will be pivotal to the project’s success:
1. World-Class Infrastructure: The Port of South Louisiana is equipped with infrastructure suited for chemical, petrochemical, and biochemical industries, making it an ideal site for Woodland Biofuels’ advanced renewable fuel operations.
2. Skilled Workforce: Louisiana boasts a deep pool of skilled labor with decades of experience in energy production and related fields, allowing Woodland Biofuels to tap into a workforce with the technical knowledge required for renewable fuel production.
3. Abundant Waste Feedstock: The region’s forestry and agricultural sectors offer ample waste resources, such as bagasse (a byproduct of sugar cane processing), which can be converted into renewable fuel through Woodland’s innovative processes.
4. Geological Suitability for CO2 Storage: Louisiana’s unique geological formations allow for the permanent storage of CO2 underground, enhancing the carbon-negative impact of Woodland Biofuels’ renewable natural gas production process.
Nutall noted, “Louisiana’s combination of resources, workforce, and infrastructure is unmatched. This state is truly positioned to become a leader in renewable energy production, and we’re thrilled to be part of this journey.”
An Environmental Game-Changer: Carbon Capture and Beyond
Woodland Biofuels stands at the forefront of renewable energy innovation, using waste biomass to produce carbon-negative renewable fuels. This process not only generates energy but also actively removes CO2 from the atmosphere, thanks to carbon capture and storage technology.
The waste feedstock used by Woodland Biofuels includes forestry waste, agricultural waste, and municipal waste, all of which are converted into renewable natural gas and hydrogen. These fuels, in turn, are used in various sectors, from transportation to shipping, which faces increasing global pressure to reduce emissions.
Woodland Biofuels’ use of carbon capture technology places Louisiana at the cutting edge of sustainable energy production. By storing CO2 deep underground, the project prevents emissions from reaching the atmosphere, achieving a net-negative carbon footprint. “Louisiana’s geology allows us to store CO2 permanently, enhancing the carbon-negative quality of our fuel,” said Nutall. “With carbon capture, we’re not only generating energy but actively cleaning up the atmosphere.”
Future Economic and Environmental Impact
Phase 1 of the Woodland Biofuels project, slated to begin construction in 2025 with commercial operations projected for 2028, will see the development of the world’s largest carbon-negative renewable natural gas plant. Phase 2 will establish the largest carbon-negative hydrogen facility globally, positioning Louisiana at the forefront of a new energy era. Combined, these phases will support 369 permanent jobs (direct and indirect) and hundreds more in construction and ancillary industries, creating a ripple effect of economic benefits for the region.
Michael Hecht, CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc., highlighted the broader vision behind this investment: “Louisiana has the perfect blend of natural assets, human capital, and tradition. We see with this strategy that we’re not just an energy state; we’re positioning ourselves as the energy state of the future.” Hecht’s comments underscored Louisiana’s potential to lead the nation in sustainable energy development, capitalizing on a combination of resources, infrastructure, and innovation.
Creating a Legacy for Louisiana and Beyond
The Woodland Biofuels project is more than just a win for Louisiana’s economy. It represents a shift toward sustainable energy that will serve as a model for other states and nations. The project underscores the importance of proactive measures to reduce emissions and address climate change while creating jobs and generating revenue. As global demand for renewable energy continues to rise, Woodland Biofuels positions Louisiana as a leader in both energy production and environmental stewardship.
“Louisiana could become one of the world’s largest producers of renewable natural gas and contribute significantly to cleaning up the atmosphere,” Nutall noted. “This isn’t just about one project. We’re looking at the potential for a new industry that could bring thousands of jobs and billions of dollars to Louisiana over time.”
A Celebration Under the Oaks
The celebration concluded with a reception under the Live Oak trees along the Mississippi River, where Chef Rommel of Rommel’s Catering impressed guests with traditional Louisiana fare. For Woodland Biofuels’ Canadian-based team, this culinary experience may well have been another reminder of the unique cultural appeal of south Louisiana.
As Phase 1 of the project gears up for construction in 2025, with commercial operations slated to begin in 2028, the Woodland Biofuels project stands as a shining example of Louisiana’s commitment to innovation, economic growth, and environmental responsibility.
