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Houston-based SunGas Renewables announced on July 26 that it formed Beaver Lake Renewable Energy (BLRE), according to a press release.
The company said that BLRE will construct a nearly $2 billion green methanol facility in central Louisiana, and officials project it to be a job creator and economic engine.
“This new low-carbon marine fuel facility also helps strengthen communities and create sustainable economies right here in Rapides Parish, Louisiana," SunGas Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Robert Rigdon said in the release.
"As we continue our mission to make a meaningful impact in the energy transition, we look forward to collaborating with all our project partners and the State of Louisiana to construct and operate this important project. “This incredible effort happening right here in Pineville will be an innovative and industry-leading low-carbon energy solution that will help fuel a better world," Rigdon said.
Per SunGas, the project will rise where an International Paper facility once stood in Rapides Parish. Construction of the BLRE facility is slated to begin next year, with a projected completion date of sometime in 2027. Fuel produced at the facility will go toward A.P. Moller – Maersk's fleet of methanol-powered container vessels.
Alexandria NBC, CBS, and CW affiliate Channel 5 reported that the facility will generate approximately 400,000 metric tons of green methanol annually.
“SunGas considering our region for an investment of such magnitude is a huge success for all of us,” Rapides Parish Police Jury President Joe Bishop said, according to the report from KALB. “We are excited for the prospect of this industry locating and thriving in Rapides Parish.”
Channel 5 reported that work on the facility will create over 1,150 jobs while more than 100 local jobs will be generated during its operations.
According to the release, SunGas is a spin-off entity of Des Plaines, Illinois-based GTI Energy.