In a move that signals both innovation and revival for Acadia Parish, Green Fuels Operating PC announced a significant $110 million overhaul of the historic Evangeline Processing Facility. The initiative aims to bring the site into the future of energy production with the introduction of Net Zero Emissions Technology (NZET), transforming the old facility into an NZET refinery, reports state.
The facility, originally launched in 1957, will soon house a cutting-edge refining unit designed to produce marine-grade diesel and bunker fuel. The investment comes as a boon for local employment, with 60 new jobs projected to emerge, offering salaries averaging $80,000 — significantly higher than the parish's median wage, and crucially, the project will maintain the existing storage infrastructure during development phases.
Enthusiasm for the project is high among local officials. "Under Louisiana's 'all of the above' energy strategy, it is critical that we keep pace with the changing needs of the industry, including reopening and reenergizing legacy operations like Canal Companies with technology-driven strategies," said LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois on the Louisiana Economic Development. The sentiment was echoed by Derek Williamson, GFO CEO, who emphasized the importance of refining US-produced oil domestically as a step toward energy independence.
"America’s energy independence requires more than just drilling — it demands that we refine our own oil here at home rather than shipping it overseas only to buy back finished fuels at premium prices," Williamson stated on the Louisiana Economic Development. The Acadia Parish facility is poised not only to bolster energy production but, to also infuse the local economy with new vigour. Beau Petitjean, Acadia Police Jury President, and Elizabeth I. Miller, President & CEO of the Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development, both expressed their excitement about the potential growth in jobs and technological progress the GFO investment promises.
The decision to revitalize the Evangeline Processing Facility was incentivized by competitive offers from LED, including workforce development through LED FastStart, and potential benefits from the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption and Quality Jobs programs. The overhaul will commence in November with a projected completion date of May 2026, during which GFO anticipates securing its position as a leader in low-carbon energy production. Meanwhile, interested job seekers can register here to receive updates about opportunities and hiring events related to the project.
