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Happy Friday!
May 2, 2025
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The America First Energy Project will continue bringing current energy news, discussions, and trends to our readers. We hope by opening up more conversations on the topic, communities, leaders, and industry experts alike can connect and remain as informed as possible as our nation finds ways to achieve a stronger, more resilient and independent energy grid.
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Louisiana, LNG, and Leading in Energy Independence
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Louisiana is emerging as a critical force in America’s energy future, positioning itself as a leader in both liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports and clean energy innovation. According to Reuters, the state now handles roughly two-thirds of U.S. LNG exports, valued at more than $30 billion in 2024, with continued growth expected as new facilities like Plaquemines LNG reach full capacity. Louisiana’s abundant natural gas reserves—especially from the low-impurity Haynesville basin—make it an ideal location for LNG production and export. This natural gas boom is also fueling growth in related industries like pipeline services and equipment manufacturing, all while helping keep the state’s industrial electricity rates among the lowest in the country.
Beyond LNG, Louisiana is actively investing in clean energy technologies as part of a forward-looking, all-of-the-above energy strategy. The state is home to more than 60 carbon capture projects, including 13 CO₂ pipelines and numerous hydrogen and ammonia facilities, giving it a leadership role in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). Major players like Air Products are also developing hydrogen infrastructure that will support decarbonization efforts across steel and fertilizer production. With strong bipartisan messaging, Louisiana has adapted its energy pitch—promoting these developments as both environmentally progressive and economically beneficial, aligning with national priorities regardless of political leadership.
This broad energy approach is matched by a wave of industrial investment, as companies like Hyundai Steel, Ice Industries, and Meta establish operations in the state. Louisiana’s combination of low-cost power, LNG infrastructure, and clean energy leadership makes it attractive to both traditional manufacturers and future-focused tech firms. A new pipeline connecting the Permian Basin to Louisiana’s industrial hubs is expected to come online in 2026, further securing fuel supply. As Reuters notes, this comprehensive development strategy positions Louisiana not just as a Gulf Coast competitor to Texas, but as a rising national energy and industrial powerhouse—ready to meet 21st-century needs with a mix of fossil fuels and emerging clean technologies.
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A foggy morning kicked off the recent Solar Day in the House Natural Resources Committee at the Louisiana State Capitol.
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UL Lafayette dedicates Antoun Hall as a new solar research hub
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The University of Louisiana at Lafayette officially dedicated Antoun Hall as its new solar research hub, signaling a major step forward in the region’s clean energy innovation. The facility will serve as a collaborative space for students, faculty, and industry partners to explore advancements in solar technology, grid integration, and renewable energy applications.
This investment strengthens Louisiana’s role in renewable energy research while building a local workforce pipeline for the state’s growing solar sector. By fostering hands-on learning and industry partnerships, UL Lafayette’s initiative demonstrates how higher education institutions can drive both technological progress and economic development in the clean energy transition.
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