The Beaver Lake Renewable Energy project in Pineville is emerging as one of the most significant industrial investments in Central Louisiana in decades.
Positioned on the former International Paper mill site on Williams Lake Road, the project is set to transform an idle industrial footprint into a next-generation wood-to-methanol production facility, backed by $2.5 billion in private capital and extensive local support.
Announced publicly in 2023, the Beaver Lake project has steadily advanced through engineering, permitting, community engagement, and supply-chain planning. According to Louisiana Economic Development (LED), the facility is projected to generate more than 650 high-wage direct and indirect jobs paying approximately 60 percent above the regional average, along with more than 1,100 construction jobs at peak activity. The plant is expected to begin construction next year.
Once online, the facility will convert roughly 2.5 million tons of sustainable wood fiber annually into more than 530,000 tons of low-carbon methanol. That product will travel by barge down the Red River to Gulf Coast ports, where it will enter markets with strong demand for cleaner fuels. To meet customer requirements, the project will capture and transport approximately half of its CO₂ emissions to a licensed sequestration site more than 50 miles away.
Local business leaders and forestry industry executives have expressed strong support for what the project means for the region’s timber economy.
“This project represents a major long-term commitment to Louisiana’s forestry sector,” said Scott Poole, President and COO of Roy O. Martin. “A facility of this scale strengthens markets for landowners, loggers, and mills alike. It brings stability to our supply chain and creates new opportunities for working families across Central Louisiana.”
The Louisiana Forestry Association echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the economic ripple effects the project is expected to generate.
“Forestry is an important part of Central Louisiana. Beaver Lake is exactly the kind of investment that helps rural economies thrive,” said Buck Vandersteen, Executive Director of the Louisiana Forestry Association. “From landowners, loggers and truckers to equipment dealers and service providers, this project benefits every link in the forestry value chain. It keeps our forests working, our people employed, and our communities growing.”
Over the past six months, Beaver Lake has been active in hosting small-group briefings, community meetings, and discussions with civic organizations. Local businesses have also begun early engagement with the company, preparing for supplier and vendor opportunities as construction nears.
Beaver Lake leaders say that transparency and community access will remain core principles throughout construction and long-term operations.
“We are committed to being good neighbors and open partners,” said Dan LeFevers, Vice President of External Affairs at Beaver Lake Renewable Energy. “Our team has spent months in conversations with residents, businesses, and civic groups, and we’ll continue offering those meetings to anyone who wants to learn more about the project or ask questions directly.”
A vendor fair is planned for 2026, giving Central Louisiana businesses the opportunity to participate in both the construction and operational phases of the facility. Beaver Lake has repeatedly expressed its intent to prioritize local companies whenever possible.
The Beaver Lake project positions Central Louisiana for sustained growth beyond the direct jobs created at the facility, the project is expected to spur new business investment, strengthen the forestry supply chain, and generate long-term economic activity across Rapides Parish and surrounding areas.
With construction approaching and local support continuing to grow, Beaver Lake Renewable Energy is on track to become a major driver of economic opportunity, industrial innovation, and community partnership in Central Louisiana.