HACKBERRY and LAFAYETTE, La. – On Thursday, Black Bayou Energy Hub announced a $1.6 billion investment to expand its Lafayette headquarters and develop critical natural gas infrastructure in Cameron Parish, strengthening Louisiana’s growing LNG corridor and supporting increasing demand from LNG exporters, power generators, utilities and manufacturers.
Across both sites, the company is expected to create 23 direct new jobs and retain five existing positions. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional 35 indirect new jobs, for a total of 58 potential new job opportunities across the Southwest and Acadiana Regions. In addition, the project is expected to support more than 1,000 construction jobs at peak.
Black Bayou Energy Hub is developing infrastructure designed to increase the movement, storage and delivery of natural gas across the Gulf Coast. The project will add capacity and connectivity to Louisiana’s existing energy network, helping meet growing demand across the region.
Headquartered in Lafayette, Black Bayou Energy Hub was established to build natural gas infrastructure around the Black Bayou salt dome in southwest Louisiana. Backed by Mercuria as its majority equity sponsor, the company combines local leadership with global energy investment and commercial expertise.
To secure the project in Cameron Parish and Lafayette Parish, the state of Louisiana offered Black Bayou Energy Hub, LLC a competitive incentives package that includes the comprehensive workforce development solutions of LED FastStart and $1 million from the Economic Development Award Program (EDAP) for infrastructure improvements. The company is also expected to participate in the state’s High Impact Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption Programs.
In Cameron Parish, Black Bayou Energy Hub will develop natural gas infrastructure centered on the Black Bayou salt dome, with infrastructure extending into neighboring Calcasieu Parish. The project will provide blending, balancing, storage and transportation services for LNG exporters, utilities, power generators and pipeline operators across the Gulf Coast. The project is expected to create 17 direct new jobs. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the investment will result in an additional 26 indirect new jobs in the Southwest Region.
Construction is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, with commercial operations anticipated in late 2028.
In Lafayette, Black Bayou Energy Hub will expand its corporate headquarters to support the company’s continued growth and long-term operations. The expansion will support administrative, engineering and operational functions as development of the southwest Louisiana project continues. The company is expected to create six direct new jobs with an average annual salary of $195,000, which is 246% above the average Lafayette Parish wage, while retaining five existing positions. LED estimates the expansion will result in an additional nine indirect new jobs in the Acadiana Region.
