Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 16, Woodside Energy CEO Meg O’Neill said on Monday that global liquefied natural gas (LNG) demand is expected to rise 50% over the next decade. She made the comments during a groundbreaking ceremony for the company’s new LNG export facility in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana.

A view shows Woodside Energy's headquarters in Perth, Australia, April 19, 2025.

The Louisiana project, valued at $17.5 billion, is the largest foreign investment in the state’s history. It is also the first U.S. LNG development to receive final approval since President Donald Trump returned to office in January and pledged to expand American energy exports. The facility is scheduled to begin operations in 2029, with exports primarily aimed at Europe and Asia.

“The market is there, and that’s with a number of nations around the world not even being able to participate in this market yet because of price sensitivity. So we’re very bullish on LNG demand for the long term,” O’Neill said. She also addressed remarks from TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne, who recently warned of the risk of oversupply in the U.S. market: “I take those comments with a pinch of salt.”

Woodside, headquartered in Perth, Australia, is experienced in LNG development but the Louisiana project marks its first U.S. facility. The initial phase will have a capacity of 16.5 million metric tons of LNG per year.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, who attended the ceremony, said U.S. energy policy is intended to support stability in global markets. Markus Hatzelmann, deputy consul general at the German consulate in Houston, also participated, noting that Germany would be a significant recipient of LNG from the plant: “It’s a very tangible expression of the strong transatlantic energy partnership between Germany and the United States.”

The Louisiana project highlights Woodside’s strategy of expanding its presence in key global markets. O’Neill said rising demand, particularly in Asia and Europe, supports the company’s long-term investment outlook. She emphasized that LNG remains essential in meeting energy needs while ensuring secure supplies for international buyers.

Woodside’s investment in the U.S. adds to its established portfolio in Australia and strengthens its role as a major player in the LNG sector. The company expects the project to serve growing demand for energy security while providing reliable long-term supply to global customers.

Industry observers note that the Louisiana development reflects broader market dynamics, where rising electricity use and industrial demand continue to support LNG growth. Despite concerns about oversupply from new projects, executives at Woodside expressed confidence that consumption trends will sustain strong demand well into the next decade.