$1.3 billion plant proposed for Lake Charles


01 16, 2013 by The Advocate

G2X Energy Inc., of Houston, said it plans a $1.3 billion plant to turn natural gas into gasoline at the Port of Lake Charles.

Louisiana’s economic development department said Tuesday the project would create 243 jobs averaging $66,500 a year.

G2X Energy will lease 200 acres at the Industrial Canal, where it can ship gas by pipeline or sea. However, a final decision is waiting on more feasibility analysis.

State officials said G2X Energy expects a final decision by the end of 2013.

The plant would produce methanol from natural gas and convert the methanol to gasoline. That’s planned as 90 percent of its production, with the rest as propane.

It’s “a proven solution for clean and economic production of transportation fuels from abundant domestic natural gas,” G2X Energy President and CEO Timothy Vail said.

Construction would run from 2014 through early 2017, with most hiring completed by the end of 2015.

Louisiana Economic Development offered G2X Energy $5 million for port improvements, including an access road, utilities and a dock. G2X Energy also is expected to get tax exemptions for new jobs and new industry.