Louisiana’s CapEx Outlook: Hydrogen, LNG, Data Centers, and the $60B Opportunity

Key Takeaways: 

• $60B+ in CapEx investment is flowing into Louisiana across LNG, hydrogen, and data center infrastructure. 
• Major projects include Meta’s $10B AI data center, Woodside’s $17.5B LNG facility, and CF Industries’ $4B ‘Blue Point’ low-carbon hydrogen/ammonia plant.
• HDVC transmission and grid upgrades are critical to supporting these developments and future-proofing U.S. power distribution.
• Louisiana ranks #2 in the U.S. for tech talent growth and has reversed population decline through targeted workforce initiatives. 
• NES Fircroft offers specialized staffing, contractor mobility, and compliance solutions across all power verticals. 

Louisiana’s energy sector is one of the most dynamic in the United States. Thanks mainly to its energy-intensive industries, the state ranks fourth in total energy consumption and second in per-capita usage (EIA).

Natural gas dominates the state’s energy output and is central to U.S. production. In 2024, natural gas accounted for 76% of Louisiana’s electricity generation, powering 8 of its 10 largest plants. Being one of the largest LNG exporters in the world, Louisiana handles three-fifths of total U.S. shipments through its operating terminals, including Sabine Pass, the nation’s largest LNG facility.

This impressive profile has positioned Louisiana as a national leader in the LNG sector. However, the state is now diversifying its energy strength by investing in hydrogen, grid resilience, and hyperscale data centers to sustain market capture and economic growth. 

What is driving energy investment and CapEx growth in Louisiana?

The growth in capital expenditure projects is primarily due to the convergence of industrial demand, federal incentives, and global energy transition goals. According to Louisiana Future Energy, the state is seeing over $60 billion in capital investment across a 49-project pipeline, creating more than 10,000 jobs. 

The main drivers include:

• AI and data center expansion requiring stable, high-capacity power.
• Hydrogen and ammonia production aligned with decarbonization goals.
• LNG export growth to meet global energy needs. 
• Grid modernization to support reliability and resilience.

What are the biggest CapEx projects underway in Louisiana’s power sector?

1. Woodside Energy LNG Facility – Calcasieu Parish

The forecast total CapEx for Woodside Energy’s LNG project, including the pipeline and management reserve, is $17.5 billion, making it the largest greenfield investment in Louisiana’s history. The facility in Calcasieu Parish will play a crucial role in the state’s energy export strategy. It’s designed with integrated carbon capture and storage (CCUS) technology, enabling it to produce up to 16.5 Mtpa of LNG per annum.

Construction is underway, led by Bechtel, and is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs across Louisiana. With Stonepeak acquiring a 40% stake and FEED completed, the project is positioned to deliver long-term energy security and low-carbon fuel to international markets.

2. “Blue Point” Hydrogen and Ammonia Plant – Ascension Parish

Backed by CF Industries, JERA, and Mitsui, this $4bn investment will become the world’s largest low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia facility, with an annual nameplate capacity of 1.4 million metric tons.

Located along the Mississippi River, just north of CF Industries’ existing Donaldsonville Complex, the Blue Point facility will leverage autothermal reforming (ATR) technology to produce ammonia using natural gas as feedstock, integrated with CCUS systems to mitigate emissions. Technip Energies has been awarded the EPC contract, drawing on its modularization expertise and integrating Topsoe’s SynCOR Ammonia™ technology to ensure high efficiency and scalability.

From an economic perspective, Blue Point is expected to create nearly 4,000 construction jobs over four years and more than 3,400 indirect and induced jobs during the same period. Starting in 2029, it will supply low-carbon fuels to global markets. 

3. Meta’s AI Data Center – Richland Parish

One of the most transformative additions to Louisiana’s energy and infrastructure sector is Meta’s $10 billion AI data center campus in Richland Parish. Spanning four million square feet across 2,250 acres, it will be the company’s largest facility globally and be the foundation for Meta’s AI operations.

To support the immense power requirements of this hyperscale development, Entergy Louisiana is investing heavily in grid infrastructure. This includes constructing three modern combined-cycle combustion turbine generation facilities with a total capacity of 2,260MW, over 100 miles of 500kV transmission lines, and multiple substations. These upgrades will serve Meta and enhance reliability across the region.

Recognizing the need for stable, high-capacity baseload power to support AI workloads, Meta has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for 1 to 4 gigawatts of new nuclear generation capacity by 2030. This strategic move aligns with the company’s sustainability goals and ensures long-term energy resilience for its data center operations. Nuclear power, alongside clean energy sources like solar and wind, will play a central role in powering the facility, marking a significant shift in how tech giants approach low-carbon energy sourcing for digital infrastructure.

Meta’s multibillion-dollar push to build AI data centers for Superintelligence is set to create 5,000 construction jobs and 1,500 permanent roles in northeast Louisiana, intensifying the ‘talent war for top engineers’.

Why is demand for data centers and energy infrastructure surging across the U.S.?

Meta’s data center is the 23rd in the U.S. and is part of a broader national trend. Across the country, utilities are revising their capital plans upward to keep pace with skyrocketing electricity consumption. Other prominent initiatives, such as Homer City in Pennsylvania, are building upon natural gas-powered data centers to support rising AI and high-performance computing (HPC) technology demand.

Key factors include:

• AI workloads are highly energy-intensive, requiring constant baseload power to train and operate large models
• Hyperscale data centers are expanding rapidly, with power consumption expected to nearly triple in the next three years
• Major players such as Meta and Amazon are investing billions in infrastructure across Louisiana and Mississippi
• Electrification of industries, from transport to heavy manufacturing, is adding to overall grid demand

According to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, U.S. data centers could consume up to 12% of total electricity by 2028.  This explains why utilities like Entergy and CenterPoint are accelerating billions in transmission and generation investments. 

How is HVDC transmission shaping the future of U.S. power distribution?

High-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission is becoming essential to meet rising demand from data centers and industrial hubs. Projects like Entergy’s $16B grid upgrade plan include undergrounding lines and reinforcing substations. HVDC enables:

• Efficient long-distance power delivery.
• Integration of renewables and nuclear baseload.
• Enhanced grid resilience against extreme weather.

Entergy has completed 7 of 11 transmission projects and 73 distribution hardening initiatives since early 2025.

Does Louisiana have the workforce and infrastructure to sustain this level of investment?

The scale of these projects is already translating into tangible economic gains. Future energy projects have created more than 10,000 jobs, with projections of over 32,000 in the pipeline. 

Beyond direct employment, the ripple effects are profound. Local contractors, suppliers, and service providers are securing contracts across engineering, procurement, and construction. Meanwhile, new demand stimulates housing, transportation, and community services growth in regions hosting these developments. 

Historically, Louisiana faced workforce challenges due to population decline, with the available labor pool shrinking since 2016. However, recent trends show a reversal:

• 2024 saw 9,000+ jobs created and 4,000 retained following $16.1bn in CapEx investment
• Louisiana ranks #2 in the U.S. for tech talent growth, producing over 9,000 STEM graduates annually
• Population growth has returned as the Governor and new administration prioritize talent retention and attracting the ‘best and brightest’
• The Louisiana Community and Technical College System committed $250,000 to scale up construction and data center operations training 

(Source: 2024 Year in Review, Louisiana Economic Development)

Secretary Schowen of the Louisiana Workforce Commission emphasized the state’s focus on “unlocking the potential of our workforce and creating pathways for every Louisiana jobseeker” through targeted initiatives.

NES Fircroft Is Your Trusted Partner for CapEx Project Staffing in the U.S.

Large-scale CapEx projects in LNG, hydrogen, power generation, and data centers are technically complex and capital intensive. They demand sophisticated technology and infrastructure, as well as thousands of skilled professionals across engineering, project management, construction, and operations. NES Fircroft is uniquely positioned to meet this demand, offering clients a combination of regional expertise and global reach.

Our extensive international network of technical professionals provides instant access to skilled talent across all major power and energy sectors. With a strong regional presence across the Gulf South, we understand the local labor market, regulatory landscape, and project dynamics. While our global footprint allows us to mobilize resources across borders with speed and precision, if the local talent pool is limited.  Our recruiters specialize in various industries, understanding each vertical's demands and delivering project-ready talent at scale.

Do you need technical support for a CapEx project in Louisiana or the U.S? Learn more about our Louisiana recruitment services or explore our expertise in data center staffing across North America. 

Contact NES Fircroft today to discover how we can enhance your workforce strategy.