The plant is expected to handle around 1.3 million tons of wood waste annually. Instead of being burned or left to decompose—each of which release carbon—this material will be used as feedstock for power generation. At full operation, the facility is projected to produce 100 megawatts of electricity, with approximately 75 megawatts supplied to the grid as continuous output.
Unlike intermittent renewable sources, the facility’s generation profile is designed to provide baseload power. This positions it as a potential complement to wind and solar, particularly in regions where grid stability remains a concern.
A key element of the project is its integration of CCS. Developers estimate that up to 1.1 million metric tons of CO₂ could be captured each year and stored underground. Because the biomass originates from trees that have already absorbed carbon, capturing emissions from its use results in a net removal of CO₂ from the atmosphere, pushing the system into carbon-negative territory.
The technical complexity of combining biomass conversion with carbon capture at this scale requires a high level of process control. Emerson is providing automation and control systems intended to unify plant operations, including combustion processes, emissions tracking, and capture performance.
Using its DeltaV automation platform alongside monitoring and analytics tools, the system is designed to give operators real-time visibility into plant performance. This level of integration is expected to support efficiency gains and help manage operational risks tied to a multi-system facility.
The project also reflects a broader shift in energy infrastructure design. Rather than operating as standalone generation assets, facilities like LGF are being developed as integrated systems that address multiple objectives simultaneously—energy production, emissions reduction, and resource utilization.
At the regional level, the facility is expected to contribute to economic activity in Caldwell Parish, including job creation and increased demand for forestry byproducts. Its location above a suitable geologic storage site also removes the need for long-distance CO₂ transport, which can add cost and complexity.
Still, questions remain around scalability and long-term economics. CCS projects often depend on supportive policy frameworks and financial incentives, and replicating this model in other regions will require access to both biomass resources and viable storage geology.
If successful, the LGF facility may offer a template for integrating carbon removal directly into power generation—an approach that could play a role in balancing reliability with decarbonization goals.
