ALEXANDRIA, LA – On October 15, 2024, Jim Michael, Project Manager for the SunGas Beaver Lake Renewable Energy (BLRE) project and President of Alliance Power, provided a detailed update on the project during the Rotary Club of Alexandria’s weekly meeting. The BLRE project, which was announced last year and represents a $2 billion investment, is set to be constructed at the former International Paper site in Rapides Parish, Louisiana. This state-of-the-art facility will produce green methanol using sustainably sourced wood fiber from routine forest thinning activity that is required to keep managed forests healthy and productive.
SunGas Renewables, an energy technology company specializing in renewable fuel production, is leading the project. The BLRE facility will generate over 400,000 metric tons of renewable methanol annually, which will be used as fuel for ocean-going vessels. The company’s goal is to help meet the global demand for cleaner, sustainable fuel alternatives while fostering local economic growth.
In addition, SunGas recently announced a strategic partnership with C2X LLC, an initiative that will support the continued development of the BLRE project. C2X is aiming to make a significant contribution to a fossil-free future by accelerating the availability of green methanol in large quantities. C2X will develop, own and operate green methanol production facilities in strategic locations, which will serve to de-fossilize the chemical, aviation and shipping sectors. C2X is majority owned by A.P. Moller Holding with A.P. Moller – Maersk as minority owner.
Green methanol produced by BLRE is expected to be used to fuel A.P. Moller - Maersk’s fleet of methanol-powered container vessels and will utilize wood fiber from local, sustainably-managed forests.
Through this partnership, C2X has invested in SunGas to jointly develop, own, and operate multiple green methanol production facilities across North America, beginning with the BLRE plant in Rapides Parish. This collaboration enhances SunGas’ capacity to accelerate the production of renewable methanol and to expand the supply of sustainable fuels in hard-to-abate industries like maritime shipping and aviation.
In his update, Jim Michael emphasized the significant impact the project will have on Central Louisiana's economy, noting that the facility will create more than 1,150 jobs during construction and generate between 300-400 indirect jobs and 100 direct local jobs during operation. The project will also contribute to the area’s infrastructure improvements, further positioning the region as a leader in renewable energy production. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with initial commercial operations starting in 2028. (Supporting Information: BLRE Fact Sheet)
Jim Michael expressed his excitement in continued progress stating “We are excited to move forward with this project in Rapides Parish and look forward to having significant design and permitting efforts in 2025 as we advance Beaver Lake Renewable Energy.”
Lafe Jones, Louisiana Central’s Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President, highlighted the significance of the BLRE project in supporting the rural economy, stating “This project is a huge opportunity for Rapides Parish and Central Louisiana. In addition to the $2 billion capital investment and hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, it positions Central Louisiana as a potential hub to attract other alternative energy opportunities."
Access the BLRE project fact sheet.
Access Press Kit.
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About Louisiana Central
Louisiana Central is the regional economic development organization for Central Louisiana. It is a pivotal connector uniting leaders in the region to work together to make Central Louisiana a thriving hub for sustainable economic growth. The organization exists to grow the ten-parish region of Allen, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Vernon, and Winn. To learn more about Louisiana Central visit www.louisiana-central.com.
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