By JIM BUTLER

Sun Gas Renewables and C2X have reached a permitting stage in the $2.4 billion Beaver Lake Renewable Energy project east of Pineville. 

The plant, on the site of the former International Paper mill on Williams Lake Road,  will engage in green fuel production and carbon removal. 

About 500 million tons a year is projected to be generated from forestry byproducts, tree tops and sawmill residues, then shipped via Red River to global shipping, aviation and chemical industry consumers. 

The fuel is becoming a preferred choice for such operations. 

La. DEQ said this week it has reviewed initial Clean Air permit applications for the plant and intends to process them on an expedited basis. 

Comments on that intent can be channeled to the Air Permits Division via the department web site. 

Plant construction is expected to begin in the second half of 2026 with operations beginning in late 2028. 

About 1,100 construction jobs are forecast, with 100 permanent jobs on completion.