The United States Secures 11 MTPA with Woodside and Bechtel in Louisiana

Bechtel entrusts Baker Hughes with equipment supply for two liquefaction plants in Louisiana, marking a key advancement in Woodside Energy’s LNG project with a capacity of 11 million tonnes per annum.

Partagez:

The development of the LNG project in Louisiana, led by Woodside Energy and overseen by Bechtel, progresses with a strategic equipment order from Baker Hughes. The initial phase of this project aims for a production capacity of 11 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per year, enhancing the competitiveness of U.S. energy exports.

The contract includes main refrigeration compressors powered by LM6000PF+ gas turbines, as well as expander-compressors. These technologies, selected for their performance and reliability, represent a pivotal step towards the final investment decision (FID), expected in the first quarter of 2025.

Export Strategy and Geopolitical Stakes

This Louisiana project is part of a broader U.S. strategy to strengthen its LNG export capabilities. Faced with growing demand in Europe and Asia, natural gas has become a strategic tool to diversify global energy supplies and reduce reliance on traditional sources.

For Woodside Energy, this project is also an opportunity to expand its presence in the North American market. The planned infrastructure in Louisiana could reshape the energy export landscape, granting the U.S. an increased role in global LNG trade.

Technological and Environmental Choices

The equipment selection by Bechtel aligns with requirements for sustainability and performance. The LM6000PF+ turbines are renowned for their energy efficiency, a critical advantage in a sector under constant pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Additionally, Baker Hughes has been tasked with providing electric compression systems for the associated pipelines, reinforcing a comprehensive commitment to energy efficiency. These technological choices reflect a growing trend in the sector: integrating advanced solutions to meet regulatory and market expectations.

Regional Economic Impact

Beyond its geopolitical and technological implications, the Louisiana project promises significant economic benefits for the region. The construction of liquefaction infrastructure and associated pipelines is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

However, the project also raises questions about balancing economic development and adherence to local environmental standards, an issue at the core of ongoing political and industrial debates.

The European Union extends gas storage regulations by two years, requiring member states to maintain a minimum fill rate of 90% to ensure energy security and economic stability amid market uncertainties.
Energy Transfer strengthens its partnership with Chevron by increasing their liquefied natural gas supply agreement by 50% from the upcoming Lake Charles LNG export terminal, strategically aiming for long-term supply security.
Woodside finalises the divestment of a 40% stake in the Louisiana LNG project to Stonepeak, injecting $5.7 billion to accelerate developments and optimise financial returns ahead of first gas delivery scheduled in 2026.
Keranic Industrial Gas seals a sixty-day exclusivity deal to buy Royal Helium’s key assets, raise CAD9.5mn ($7.0mn) and bring Alberta’s Steveville plant back online in under fifteen weeks.
The Irish-Portuguese company Fusion Fuel strengthens its footprint in the United Arab Emirates as subsidiary Al Shola Gas adds AED4.4 mn ($1.2 mn) in new engineering contracts, consolidating an already robust 2025 order book.
Cheniere Energy validates major investment to expand Corpus Christi terminal, adding two liquefaction units to increase its liquefied natural gas export capacity by 2029, responding to recent international agreements.
A study by the International Energy Agency reveals that global emissions from liquefied natural gas could be significantly reduced using current technologies.
Europe is injecting natural gas into underground storage facilities at a three-year high, even as reserves remain below historical averages, prompting maximized imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
South Korea abandons plans to lower electricity rates this summer, fearing disruptions in liquefied natural gas supply due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, despite recent declines in fuel import costs.
Russia positions itself to supply liquefied natural gas to Mexico and considers expanded technological sharing in the energy sector, according to Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov.
Israel has partially resumed its natural gas exports to Egypt and Jordan following a week-long halt due to the closure of two major offshore gas fields, Leviathan and Karish.
Nepal reveals a significant potential reserve of methane in the west of the country, following exploratory drilling conducted with technical support from China, opening new economic prospects.
Petronas formalizes a memorandum with JOGMEC to secure Japanese LNG deliveries, including a first cargo from LNG Canada scheduled for July at Toho Gas.
Belgrade is currently finalising a new gas contract with Russia, promising Europe's lowest tariff, according to Srbijagas General Director Dusan Bajatovic, despite Europe's aim to eliminate Russian imports by 2027.
TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy have won the Ahara exploration licence, marking a new stage in their partnership with SONATRACH on a vast area located between Berkine and Illizi.
After four years of interruption due to regional insecurity, TotalEnergies announces the upcoming resumption of its liquefied natural gas project in Mozambique, representing a $20bn investment.
The French group has acquired from PETRONAS stakes in several licences covering more than 100,000 km² off Malaysia and Indonesia, consolidating its Asian presence and its exposure to the liquefied natural gas market.
In response to rising summer electricity consumption, Egypt signs import agreements covering 290 shipments of liquefied natural gas, involving major international firms, with financial terms adjusted to the country’s economic constraints.
Egyptian fertilizer producers suspended their activities due to reduced imports of Israeli gas, following recent production halts at Israel's Leviathan and Karish gas fields after Israeli strikes in Iran.
A report identifies 130 gas power plant projects in Texas that could raise emissions to 115 million tonnes per year, despite analysts forecasting limited short-term realisation.