Woodland Biofuel Proposes $1.35 Billion for Largest Ultra-Green Hydrogen Plant

Woodland Biofuels, Inc. has announced a planned $1.35 billion investment at the Port of South Louisiana to create the world’s largest carbon-negative renewable natural gas (RNG) plant and ultra-green hydrogen facility. Phase 1 will establish the largest carbon-negative RNG facility globally, while Phase 2 will be the biggest carbon-negative ultra-green hydrogen plant. The Toronto-based company aims to utilize waste biomass to produce sustainable biofuels for transportation, heating, and electricity generation.

In Phase 1, Woodland Biofuels expects to generate about 500 construction jobs and 110 permanent, high-paying positions. According to Louisiana Economic Development, the project will also create 259 indirect jobs, totaling 869 jobs, with 369 being permanent. The facility will be situated at the Globalplex multimodal facility and is projected to permanently remove hundreds of thousands of tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year, safely storing it underground. Phase 1 alone aims to eliminate 210,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, while Phase 2 will remove around 660,000 tonnes, making the project one of the largest carbon dioxide removal initiatives in the world.

CEO Greg Nuttall expressed excitement about building the world’s largest carbon-negative RNG facility and the subsequent ultra-green hydrogen plant in St. John Parish. He emphasized the company's commitment to fostering strong community ties and leveraging Louisiana's skilled workforce and infrastructure for the project. Phase 1 is projected to begin commercial operations in 2028.

Secretary of Economic Development Susan Bourgeois noted that Louisiana’s skilled workforce and natural resources make it an ideal location for energy companies to thrive. She highlighted that Woodland Biofuels' project would bring high-paying jobs to the area.

Paul Matthews, CEO of the Port of South Louisiana, remarked on the port's role in energy transfer and the significance of Woodland Biofuels' investment in diversifying Louisiana's energy sector, which will create hundreds of high-paying jobs for local families.

To support this project, Louisiana Economic Development has offered Woodland Biofuels an incentive package valued at over $250 million, including performance-based grants and workforce development programs. The company is anticipated to take part in the state’s Quality Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs. Greater New Orleans, Inc. President and CEO Michael Hecht praised the project, stating that it exemplifies Louisiana’s comprehensive energy strategy.

Woodland produces carbon-negative, renewable fuel at the lowest cost globally. Their technology addresses some of the world’s most urgent challenges by offering affordable fuel, managing excess waste, and combating climate change. Currently, the majority of the world's fuel supply comes from oil, leading to high costs, environmental harm, and safety risks. Additionally, using food for fuel introduces its own set of issues.