Woodside approves $17.5 billion Louisiana LNG development
Woodside has made a final investment decision to develop the three-train, 16.5 million tonne per annum (MMtpa) Louisiana LNG development. Woodside is targeting first LNG in 2029.
Development of Louisiana LNG will position Woodside to deliver approximately 24 Mtpa from its global LNG portfolio in the 2030s, and operating over 5% of global LNG supply.1聽The development has expansion capacity for two additional LNG trains and is fully permitted for a total capacity of 27.6 Mtpa.
At full capacity, the foundation project is expected to generate approximately $2 billion of annual net operating cash in the 2030s. It will drive Woodside鈥檚 next chapter of value creation, giving the company鈥檚 global portfolio the potential to generate over $8 billion of annual net operating cash in the 2030s.2
The forecast total capital expenditure for the LNG project, pipeline and management reserve is US$17.5 billion (100%).3聽Stonepeak, as an investor in Louisiana LNG Infrastructure LLC, will provide $5.7 billion towards the expected capital expenditure for the LNG project on an accelerated basis, contributing 75% of capital expenditure in both 2025 and 2026.4聽Woodside鈥檚 share of forecast total capital expenditure is $11.8 billion.
鈥淟ouisiana LNG is a game-changer for Woodside, set to position our company as a global LNG powerhouse and enable us to deliver enduring shareholder returns,鈥 said Meg O鈥橬eill, CEO of Woodside. 鈥淭his world-class project is a compelling and de-risked investment. It leverages Woodside鈥檚 proven strengths in project execution, operational excellence, marketing and customer relationships to offer significant cash generation and drive long-term shareholder value.
鈥淎dding Louisiana LNG to our established Australian LNG business provides Woodside with a balanced and resilient portfolio, combining long-life, flexible LNG assets with high-return oil assets," O'Neill continued.
鈥淭he project benefits from access to abundant low-cost gas resources in the United States and boasts an asset lifespan of more than 40 years. It also has access to well-established interstate and intrastate gas supply networks.
鈥淭he marketing opportunities Louisiana LNG offers across the Pacific and Atlantic Basins leverages Woodside鈥檚 proven LNG marketing capabilities and complements our established position in Asia. This will position Woodside to even better serve global customers and meet growing energy demand.
鈥淭his supply can target strong and sustained demand for LNG expected in both Asia and Europe, as those markets pursue energy security and decarbonization aspirations.
鈥淎s the largest single foreign direct investment in Louisiana鈥檚 history, Louisiana LNG will also be the first greenfield U.S. LNG project to go to final investment decision since July 2023.
References:
1聽Source: Wood Mackenzie.
2聽At Woodside鈥檚 current equity interest of 100% in HoldCo (and assumes completion of the asset swap transaction between Woodside and Chevron - refer to announcement titled 鈥榃oodside simplifies portfolio and unlocks long-term value鈥 announced 19 December 2024. Completion of the transaction is expected to occur in 2026).
3聽Louisiana LNG project cost is $15.9 billion, or $960/tonne, and includes EPC, owner鈥檚 cost and contingency costs. Pipeline cost is $1.1 billion. Management reserve contains allowances for tariffs and business unit costs.
4聽See 鈥淲oodside announces Louisiana LNG partnership with Stonepeak鈥 announced 7 April 2025 for details. Completion of the transaction is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2025.