(The Center Square) − Louisiana Economic Development announced Tuesday a final investment decision to build a $4 billion low-carbon ammonia facility in Ascension Parish — the largest of its kind in the world once it’s completed.
The project, located on the West Bank of Ascension Parish, will anchor Louisiana’s growing reputation as a hub for energy innovation and next-generation manufacturing.
The project includes CF Industries and its partners JERA and Mitsui.
The project received approval for an Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP), according to Louisiana Economic Development’s public database. CF Industries has four active ITEP contracts and one Quality Jobs contract−all in Ascension parish.
“This project demonstrates that Louisiana is continuing to lead the world in innovative energy and manufacturing processes,” said Gov. Jeff Landry during a news conference. “We are creating even more high-paying jobs that will ensure Louisianans won’t have to leave the state looking for work.”
The plant is expected to create 103 new permanent jobs with an average salary of $110,000. According to Louisiana Economic Development, the project will also generate an estimated 311 indirect jobs, bringing the total potential employment impact to 414 jobs in the Capital Region.
The announcement marks a major milestone in the governor’s push to secure $50 billion in business investments during his first year in office.
“This project moves us even closer to announcing $50 billion in projects since I took office by the end of this summer,” Landry said.
He recently announced a $5.8 billion Hyundai steel mill that will also be built in Ascension Parish that will supply Hyundai’s U.S. plants.
CF Industries is the world’s largest ammonia producer. Its joint venture partners include JERA, Japan’s largest energy company, and Mitsui & Co., a leading global investment firm.
Tuesday’s event brought top executives from each company to Baton Rouge, including CF Industries President and CEO Tony Will, JERA Chair Yukio Kani, and Mitsui Managing Officer Takashi Furutani.
Also attending the event were Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois, 1PointFive President Jeff Alvarez, Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment, and Entergy Louisiana CEO Phillip May.
