$30 Million Houma Facility and West Monroe Expansion to Scale Hydrogen Technology for Defense and Energy Applications
HOUMA and WEST MONROE, La. (June 4, 2026) — NovaSpark Energy, a sustainable energy technology company, announced it is expanding in Louisiana with workforce growth in West Monroe and a $30 million investment to establish a new manufacturing facility in Houma.
The expansion will allow NovaSpark to scale production of its atmospheric hydrogen generators, which are used in defense, critical infrastructure and advanced energy applications. The project is expected to create 300 direct new jobs, retain three existing positions and support an estimated 318 additional indirect jobs, for a total of 618 potential new job opportunities across Louisiana’s Bayou and Northeast regions.
The direct new jobs will offer an average annual salary of $76,000, approximately 25% above the Louisiana state average wage.
“Louisiana’s energy leadership has always been defined by our ability to deliver at scale, and today that strength is being expanded through innovation,” said LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. “NovaSpark’s investment brings advanced manufacturing, defense applications and emerging energy technology together in a way that builds on our existing foundation while creating new opportunities across the state.”
NovaSpark Energy to Expand Hydrogen Technology Production in Louisiana
NovaSpark’s expansion builds on its existing Louisiana presence, where its West Monroe headquarters supports defense-focused production and development. The company’s technology enables on-site, emission-free hydrogen production from air and water, helping address challenges tied to fuel logistics, energy resilience and reliability in critical environments.
The expansion will support production of atmospheric hydrogen generators for use in:
- Defense and military applications
- Critical infrastructure
- Backup power systems
- Data centers
- Level 3 EV charging networks
- Distributed energy systems
- Remote and resilient power applications
“Louisiana offers a unique combination of energy leadership, industrial infrastructure and a highly skilled workforce that makes it an ideal location for NovaSpark’s next phase of growth,” said NovaSpark CEO Rick Harlow. “We’ve been incredibly impressed by the depth of talent across the region, as well as the strong support from local communities, the State of Louisiana and its colleges and universities, all of which are aligned in advancing next-generation energy solutions.”
“With our expansion in Houma, we’re not only scaling production of our atmospheric hydrogen generators, but also strengthening America’s ability to deliver resilient, on-site energy for critical infrastructure and national defense,” Harlow added. “This investment reflects our confidence in Louisiana as a long-term partner in building the future of distributed hydrogen and energy security.”
Project Highlights
- Company: NovaSpark Energy
- Locations: West Monroe and Houma, Louisiana
- Investment: $30 million for new Houma facility
- Direct New Jobs: 300
- Retained Jobs: Three
- Average Annual Salary: $76,000
- Wage Impact: Approximately 25% above Louisiana’s state average wage
- Estimated Indirect Jobs: 318
- Total Potential Job Opportunities: 618
- Regions Impacted: Bayou Region and Northeast Region
- Industry: Hydrogen technology, advanced energy, defense applications and distributed power
- Houma Operations: Expected to begin in 2027
West Monroe Expansion to Support Defense Applications
In West Monroe, NovaSpark will expand its existing operations, which serve as a secure production and development site focused on defense and military applications. The facility supports deployment of the company’s atmospheric hydrogen generators, enabling on-site, emission-free hydrogen production for critical and remote environments.
The West Monroe expansion is expected to create 60 direct new jobs and retain three existing positions. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will support an additional 64 indirect jobs in the Northeast Region.
“The expansion of NovaSpark Energy’s facility in West Monroe strengthens advanced manufacturing in Ouachita Parish while creating high-quality job opportunities for our residents,” said Ouachita Parish Police Jury President Shane Smiley. “As part of a broader investment in Louisiana, it underscores renewed economic momentum and reinforces that parishes like Ouachita are competing and winning on a national stage. We are proud to support this innovative expansion and the lasting impact it brings to Northeast Louisiana and beyond.”
Construction began in April 2026, with operations expected to begin in 2027.
“We applaud NovaSpark Energy’s growth in Northeast Louisiana, and welcome the creation of high-tech career opportunities for our residents,” said Grow NELA President Rob Cleveland. “This expansion is yet another indicator of the pro-growth mindset, and business friendly environment, that companies experience in Louisiana.”
Houma Facility to Scale Commercial Hydrogen Generator Production
In Houma, NovaSpark will invest $30 million to establish a larger-scale manufacturing facility to support commercial deployment of its atmospheric hydrogen generators. The facility will enable high-volume production of systems used in critical infrastructure and distributed energy applications.
The Houma project is expected to create 240 direct new jobs. LED estimates the project will support an additional 254 indirect jobs in the Bayou Region.
“Terrebonne Parish has the workforce, infrastructure and industrial foundation to support companies that are ready to scale, and NovaSpark Energy’s decision to locate this facility in Houma speaks directly to those strengths,” said Terrebonne Economic Development Authority CEO Cohen Guidry. “TEDA is proud to welcome this investment and the 240 new direct jobs it will bring as we continue working to create an environment where businesses can grow and Terrebonne residents can access new opportunities close to home.”
Site selection, permitting and design work are expected to begin in mid-2026, with construction anticipated to follow.
“The Bayou Region has a long history of innovation, manufacturing and problem-solving for some of the world’s most critical industries, and NovaSpark Energy’s investment in Houma builds on that legacy,” said COLAB President and CEO Christy Zeringue. “The creation of 240 new direct jobs in Houma is a meaningful win for Terrebonne Parish and a clear signal that the Bayou Region is ready to help power the next generation of energy technology.”
Louisiana Strengthens Hydrogen, Defense and Advanced Energy Innovation
NovaSpark’s expansion reflects Louisiana’s growing role in next-generation energy innovation, defense technology and advanced manufacturing. The company is advancing atmospheric hydrogen technology from field-tested military applications to broader commercial deployment.
NovaSpark has been recognized by Lockheed Martin as the top 2024 Small Business Innovation Research Success Story of the Year and is supported by active Department of War partnerships. The company’s growth has also been supported in part by Louisiana-based Boot64 Ventures, a Louisiana Opportunity Capital lender, along with LED’s FUEL award.
NovaSpark has also been certified under LED’s Louisiana Angel Investor Tax Credit program, which helps eligible Louisiana businesses attract private investment by offering potential state tax credits to qualified investors.
State Incentives Support NovaSpark Expansion
To secure the project in West Monroe and Houma, the State of Louisiana offered NovaSpark Energy a competitive incentives package that includes the comprehensive workforce development solutions of LED FastStart, as well as participation in the High Impact Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.
Louisiana companies interested in contract and vendor opportunities with development projects statewide can register at SourceLouisiana.com.
Louisiana Builds on Energy Leadership With Distributed Hydrogen Technology
NovaSpark Energy’s expansion demonstrates how Louisiana is leveraging its energy infrastructure, industrial workforce and defense-related innovation assets to attract investment in emerging energy technologies.
By scaling production in West Monroe and Houma, the company is expected to support resilient, on-site hydrogen production for military, commercial and critical infrastructure users while creating hundreds of high-quality jobs across two Louisiana regions.
About NovaSpark Energy
NovaSpark Energy is an advanced energy technology company specializing in atmospheric hydrogen generation and resilient, distributed power solutions for defense and commercial applications. The company’s proprietary systems enable on-site, emission-free hydrogen production from air and water, reducing reliance on traditional fuel logistics while enhancing energy security and operational flexibility.
NovaSpark serves a range of markets, including military, critical infrastructure, data centers and next-generation mobility, positioning itself at the forefront of the transition to decentralized, hydrogen-based energy systems. For more information, visit novasparkenergy.com.
About Louisiana Economic Development
Louisiana Economic Development is responsible for driving capital investment, job creation and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana and employers of all sizes. Learn more at OpportunityLouisiana.com.
Media Contacts
Paul Latiolais
Vice President, Partnerships
NovaSpark Energy
info@novasparkenergy.com
Emma Wagner
Communications Director
Louisiana Economic Development
Emma.Wagner@la.gov
912-467-2117
Jacey Wesley
Strategic Communications Manager
Louisiana Economic Development
Jacey.Wesley@la.gov
225-342-5536
