Cameron Parish natural gas infrastructure project and Lafayette headquarters expansion expected to create 58 new job opportunities and support more than 1,000 construction jobs
HACKBERRY and LAFAYETTE, La. (September 10, 2026) — Black Bayou Energy Hub, LLC announced a $1.6 billion investment to expand its Lafayette headquarters and develop major 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 locations, the company is expected to create 23 direct new jobs and retain five existing positions. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will support an additional 35 indirect jobs, bringing the total potential employment impact to 58 new job opportunities across the Southwest and Acadiana regions.
The project is also expected to support more than 1,000 construction jobs at peak.
$1.6 Billion Investment Expands Louisiana Natural Gas Infrastructure
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 while helping meet growing demand from LNG exporters, utilities, power generators, manufacturers and pipeline operators.
“Louisiana doesn’t just produce energy — we build the infrastructure that makes America’s energy economy possible,” said Gov. Jeff Landry. “Black Bayou Energy Hub’s investment reinforces Louisiana’s place at the center of America’s energy future and demonstrates why companies continue choosing our state to build the next generation of American industry.”
Black Bayou Energy Hub Builds on Louisiana’s LNG Growth
Headquartered in Lafayette, Black Bayou Energy Hub was established to develop natural gas infrastructure around the Black Bayou salt dome in southwest Louisiana.
The company is backed by Mercuria as its majority equity sponsor and combines local leadership with global energy investment and commercial expertise.
“With support from the state and our controlling investor, Mercuria, Black Bayou is positioned to grow in Louisiana,” said Black Bayou Energy Hub CEO Tad Lalande. “Governor Landry, Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois, and everyone at LED have been great partners. We know they are committed to Louisiana’s leadership in developing safe and reliable energy infrastructure that is essential for economic stability and growth in the region, and we look forward to working with them to create jobs, support manufacturing investment, and drive economic growth throughout the state.”
Louisiana Economic Development said the investment builds on a larger wave of LNG-related development in the state.
“More than $48 billion in LNG projects have been announced in Louisiana since 2024, and investment at that scale creates demand for the infrastructure and businesses needed to support it,” said LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. “Black Bayou Energy Hub is a direct result of that momentum and an investment in sustaining it.”
Cameron Parish Project to Support Gulf Coast LNG Corridor
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 Cameron Parish portion of the project is expected to create 17 direct new jobs, while LED estimates the investment will generate an additional 26 indirect jobs in the Southwest Region.
Construction is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, with commercial operations anticipated in late 2028.
“We are thankful for Black Bayou Energy Hub’s billion-dollar investment in West Hackberry, an exciting project with the potential to create local career opportunities while significantly improving the safety and reliability of Southwest Louisiana’s natural gas infrastructure,” said Cameron Parish Police Jury President Michael Fewell.
Southwest Louisiana Energy Infrastructure Continues to Grow
The project adds another major investment to Southwest Louisiana’s energy economy, where LNG development, pipeline infrastructure and industrial growth continue to drive new capital investment.
“Black Bayou Energy Hub’s $1.6 billion investment in Cameron Parish is another significant addition to Southwest Louisiana’s energy infrastructure and reinforces our region’s critical role in Louisiana’s economy,” said SWLA Economic Development Alliance President & CEO Scott Walker. “Investments of this magnitude create opportunities that extend beyond the project itself, supporting continued economic activity, infrastructure development and long-term growth throughout our region.”
Lafayette Headquarters Expansion Creates High-Wage Jobs
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 progresses.
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 headquarters expansion will generate an additional nine indirect jobs in the Acadiana Region.
“Black Bayou Energy Hub’s decision to expand its headquarters in Lafayette is a strong reflection of the business environment we have built here,” said Lafayette Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet. “Lafayette offers the talent, infrastructure, quality of life and business climate that companies need to establish and grow their headquarters.”
Lafayette and Acadiana Strengthen Role in Louisiana Energy Economy
Regional leaders said the company’s decision to expand its headquarters in Lafayette reinforces Acadiana’s role in supporting major energy projects across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast.
“Black Bayou Energy Hub’s investment is a tremendous win for Lafayette and Southwest Louisiana, demonstrating the strength of a homegrown company choosing to grow here while making a significant investment in our state’s energy future,” said Lafayette Economic Development Authority President & CEO Mandi Mitchell.
One Acadiana President & CEO Troy Wayman added that the expansion demonstrates the region’s ability to support companies from initial establishment through long-term growth.
“This announcement reinforces Acadiana’s strength as a place where businesses can establish a foundation, scale their operations, and grow their impact,” Wayman said.
Louisiana Supports Project With Workforce and Infrastructure Incentives
To secure the project in Cameron Parish and Lafayette Parish, Louisiana offered Black Bayou Energy Hub a competitive incentives package that includes the workforce development services of LED FastStart and $1 million from the Economic Development Award Program for infrastructure improvements.
The company is also expected to participate in the state’s High Impact Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.
The package is designed to support workforce development, infrastructure improvements and the long-term growth of the project in Louisiana.
Louisiana Companies Can Pursue Vendor Opportunities
Louisiana businesses interested in contract and vendor opportunities associated with development projects statewide can register through SourceLouisiana.com.
Individuals interested in employment opportunities with Black Bayou Energy Hub can also register to receive updates about jobs, hiring events and company news.
About Black Bayou Energy Hub
Black Bayou Energy Hub, LLC, headquartered in Lafayette, Louisiana, develops essential energy infrastructure in and around the Black Bayou salt dome in Cameron and Calcasieu Parishes.
The project holds a FERC Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity and is backed by Mercuria as majority equity sponsor.
About Louisiana Economic Development
Louisiana Economic Development is responsible for driving capital investment, job creation and economic opportunity for Louisiana residents and employers of all sizes.
