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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Southern Energy Renewables Plans St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, Methanol-Aviation Fuel Operations

03/20/2026
Southern Energy Renewables, a renewable energy development and services company, plans to establish operations in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana. The $1.4 billion project is expected to create 120 jobs.

The investment will include the construction of a new green methanol and sustainable aviation fuel production facility, located at IMTT Park in St. Rose, that will convert wood-waste biomass into lifecycle-carbon fuels. Operations are scheduled to begin in late 2029.

“Louisiana is a vital partner in advancing our production model that includes the conversion of regional wood-waste biomass sourcing, fuel production, and aviation and maritime offtake to create a first-of-its-kind platform with the potential to compete on a global stage and reduce the global reliance on China for clean fuels,” Southern Energy Renewables CEO Jay Patel said. “With support from LED and other local partners, our roadmap is built to deliver fuels at an industrial scale with a clear cost advantage, while creating new jobs, expanding the local economy, and strengthening America’s energy leadership to meet growing demand.”

To support the project the state of Louisiana offered Southern Energy Renewables an incentives package that includes the workforce development solutions of LED FastStart and a $1 million performance-based grant for infrastructure improvements. The company is also expected to participate in the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption program.

“Louisiana’s energy leadership is rooted in our ability to couple emerging technologies alongside the industries that have long powered our state,” Louisiana Economic Development (LED) Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois noted. “Southern Energy Renewables’ plans build on that strength by bringing advanced fuel production and high-quality jobs to St. Charles Parish. This project expands the scope of our energy sector and reinforces Louisiana’s role in the nation’s energy dominance.”

Southern Energy Renewables specializes in building and operating clean energy projects such as solar power systems and energy storage solutions. The company works with utilities, municipalities, and commercial clients.

“Louisiana has the assets to lead the next era of energy, and Southern Energy Renewables is proof,” added President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. Michael Hecht. "This remarkable project builds on the state's industrial strengths, skilled workforce, and global logistics assets to bring a first-of-its-kind sustainable jet fuel and methanol facility to St. Charles Parish. It will create high-wage jobs while advancing lower-carbon fuels that help modernize the aviation industry.”

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