Published by Todd Bush on June 30, 2025
Massive Investment in Ascension Parish Targets Green Steel, Job Growth, and Hydrogen Infrastructure
ASCENSION PARISH, La. — Hyundai has announced plans to invest $6 billion in a cutting-edge, hydrogen-integrated steel mill in Louisiana, describing the project as a cornerstone for building the state’s hydrogen economy. Company leaders shared their vision during a presentation before Louisiana’s Clean Hydrogen Task Force on June 23, outlining a roadmap that connects steel production, clean energy, and long-term economic development.
Slated to be operational by 2029, the proposed mill in Ascension Parish is designed to run on hydrogen fuel, reducing emissions and setting the stage for Louisiana to become a national hub for clean energy innovation. Hyundai representatives emphasized that this is not just a steel facility—it is a launchpad for a statewide hydrogen ecosystem.
"This project is not just about producing steel—it’s about producing a better future," the company said in its presentation.
>> In Other News: Deep Sky Completes Construction of Alpha, World’s First Cross-Technology Carbon Removal Centre
Hyundai laid out a phased approach to hydrogen integration:
Phase One: Use hydrogen in steel production at the mill.
Phase Two: Expand hydrogen applications to surrounding industrial sectors.
Phase Three: Establish a statewide hydrogen supply and demand network.
The project will begin with blue hydrogen—produced from natural gas with carbon capture—and eventually transition to green hydrogen, derived from renewable energy with near-zero carbon emissions.
The development is expected to bring thousands of jobs and new workforce training opportunities to the region. Hyundai also stressed its focus on inclusive economic development, citing state programs like the Industrial Tax Exemption Program and the Quality Jobs Program as key drivers for attracting green investment.
"If you want to really develop economically and have more companies join the party, those types of incentive packages do work," said Jim Park, Senior Vice President of Hyundai North America.
Despite the promising outlook, energy experts warned of major cost barriers. Mark Zappi, Executive Director of the Energy Institute of Louisiana, noted that green hydrogen remains significantly more expensive than traditional fossil-fuel options.
Gray hydrogen (from natural gas) is cheapest.
Blue hydrogen adds 50–75 cents per kilogram due to carbon capture.
Green hydrogen is currently 3–4 times more expensive than gray.
"Until we get these prices down, a smart investor or businessperson can’t make some of these investments," Zappi said.
Uncertainty also surrounds federal hydrogen production tax credits, which could be reduced or repealed under pending federal legislation. Hyundai, however, said its commitment remains firm, regardless of policy changes.
Hyundai projects that the U.S. green steel market will grow at an annual rate of 8.5% through 2034—more than double the pace of traditional steel. The company sees this as a generational opportunity to lead the transition to low-carbon manufacturing.
In its final remarks, Hyundai called on Louisiana leaders to provide long-term regulatory and economic stability to secure the state’s place at the forefront of the global energy transition.
Follow the money flow of climate, technology, and energy investments to uncover new opportunities and jobs.
Inside This Issue 💰 BlackRock’s €1 Billion Bet on Eni Fuels Carbon Capture Confidence 💧 Wastewater Contaminants Boost Green Hydrogen Production 🌾 Gevo Sells Carbon Credits from North Dakota Asset ...
Inside This Issue 🛢️ Texas Emerges as Blue Ammonia Capital in $5B Investment Wave 🤝 Technip Energies and Shell Catalysts & Technologies Have Signed a Global Alliance Agreement for Carbon Captu...
Inside This Issue 💰 Industrial Giants Are Sitting on a $200 Billion Energy Goldmine 🗺️ New Reports Map BC’s Hydrogen Potential for Clean Energy Growth 🍁 Federal Government Spending Nearly $16M on ...
BWXT Fires Up Furnace for Advanced Nuclear Fuel
The chemical vapor infiltration furnace at BWX Technologies’s Lynchburg Technology Center in Lynchburg, Virginia. The furnace is manufactured by AVS, Incorporated. Source: BWXT LYNCHBURG, Va.--BWX...
Producers Midstream Secures Strategic Commitments for Phase Two Expansion in the Delaware Basin
Enhancement Will Increase Processing Capacity to 90 MMscfd and Introduce Advanced Acid Gas Injection Capabilities DALLAS, July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Producers Midstream II, LLC ("Producers Mids...
United States: TotalEnergies Expands Its Investments in Sustainable Forestry Operations to Preserve Carbon Sinks PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TotalEnergies (Paris:TTE) (LSE:TTE) (NYSE:TTE) signed an ag...
Led by J.P. Morgan, this facility represents a significant step towards scalability for nature-based carbon projects. NEW YORK, July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Chestnut Carbon ("Chestnut"), a natu...
Follow the money flow of climate, technology, and energy investments to uncover new opportunities and jobs.