SunGas Renewables formed Beaver Lake Renewable Energy (BLRE), which will build a green methanol production facility in Pineville. The facility, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SunGas Renewables, is expected to generate nearly 400,000 metric tons of green methanol per year for marine fuel, creating over 1,150 jobs during construction and over 100 local jobs during operation.
The green methanol produced by BLRE will fuel A.P. Moller – Maersk’s fleet of methanol-powered container vessels, using wood fiber from local, sustainably-managed forests. The project will have negative carbon intensity through carbon dioxide sequestration, executed by Denbury Carbon Solutions.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards commended SunGas Renewables for the investment, emphasizing the growth and diversification of the state’s economy. BLRE will invest around $2 billion to construct the project at the former International Paper facility in Rapides Parish, with construction starting in late 2024 and commercial operations in 2027.
Local leaders, including Pineville’s Mayor Rich Dupree and Alexandria’s Mayor Jacques Roy, welcomed the project, highlighting the positive impact on the region’s economy and environment.
The project has been a collaborative effort between SunGas Renewables, Louisiana Economic Development, and several Central Louisiana organizations. Support from the region’s federal and state elected delegations played a crucial role in attracting the investment to Pineville.
Robert Rigdon, CEO of SunGas Renewables, highlighted the use of sustainably managed forestry and carbon capture to generate green marine shipping fuel and strengthen communities in Rapides Parish.
The project also received praise from Cleco Corporate Holdings LLC and Central Louisiana Regional Port for its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and providing economic benefits to the region.
SunGas Renewables’ partnership with Maersk aims to produce green methanol from multiple facilities around the country. The BLRE project is the first facility producing green methanol for Maersk.
The decision to locate the project in Central Louisiana was influenced by the region’s sustainably managed forests, infrastructure, and strong local and state support.
