ALEXANDRIA, La. (KALB) – The Beaver Lake Renewable Energy Project, a nearly two-billion-dollar investment, is moving forward with its progress to produce green methanol and provide a magnetic and positive economic impact to Central Louisiana.

Project Manager Jim Michael spoke with Alexandria Rotary members on Oct. 15 to share updates on the new facility.

The biggest update is the partnership between SunGas Renewables and C2X, which aims to accelerate the availability of green methanol in large quantities. SunGas will provide the technology, and C2X will develop, own and operate those green methanol production facilities.

“C2X is wholly owned by A.P. Moller Holding, and they’re investing in these types of renewable methanol projects around the world – Australia, Spain, Egypt,” Michael said. “C2X really has a global outlook, and the good news is we’re at the top of the list. The first project they want to do is with SunGas in Rapides Parish.”

This project will create more than 1,100 jobs during construction, generate between 300 to 400 indirect jobs and have 100 direct local jobs during operation, according to Louisiana Central.

“The indirect jobs…that’s loggers, truckers, the people that it takes to get that wood to the facility,” Michael said. “Just the purchase price of the wood that we’re purchasing annually is well over $50 million a year. That’s money that’s going straight out into the community.”

Lafe Jones, Louisiana Central’s Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President, highlighted the significance of the project in supporting the rural economy.

“It positions Central Louisiana as a potential hub to attract other alternative energy opportunities,” he said.

Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with initial commercial operations starting in 2028.

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