Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares are racing higher on Thursday morning.
At the time of writing, the energy giant's shares are up almost 4% to $24.06.
This follows the release of news that the company has entered into a major partnership with US energy infrastructure firm Williams Companies Inc. (NYSE: WMB).
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Major US partnership
According to the release, Woodside has completed a transaction with Williams for an integrated investment in its Louisiana LNG project, marking what the company describes as the next key step in bringing the development to life.
Under the agreement, Williams will acquire a 10% interest in Louisiana LNG (HoldCo) and an 80% interest and operatorship in Driftwood Pipeline (PipelineCo) for a total consideration of US$250 million. This is effective from 1 January 2025. Including capital reimbursement, Woodside said it received total proceeds of US$378 million.
The deal brings a strong strategic partner into the project. Williams, which operates more than 33,000 miles of natural gas pipelines across 24 US states, will contribute around US$1.9 billion in capital expenditure and assume LNG offtake obligations for 10% of produced volumes.
This means that Woodside's total capital expenditure for the Louisiana LNG project is now expected to fall to US$9.9 billion, down from US$11.8 billion at final investment decision.
On target for 2029
Woodside said the partnership secures capital, offtake commitments, and the expertise needed to progress the Louisiana LNG development toward first gas, which remains on target for 2029.
Woodside's CEO, Meg O'Neill, said the deal represents a milestone for the project and demonstrates its quality and global appeal. She said:
We are excited to have Williams join us as a strategic partner in Louisiana LNG given its leadership in US natural gas infrastructure and ability to add value and deliver operational benefits to enhance the project. This is Williams' first investment in LNG and its participation in Louisiana LNG is a testament to the quality of the project.
The bringing together of Woodside's proven track record in developing and operating LNG facilities and global marketing, and Williams' expertise in pipelines and gas sourcing, creates an energy partnership that has the combined capability to realise opportunities for long-term global energy demand.
A strategic milestone
Williams Companies' president and CEO, Chad Zamarin, said the investment marks an important step in its wellhead to water strategy. He said:
This transaction marks an important step forward in Williams' wellhead to water strategy – integrating upstream, midstream, marketing and LNG capabilities to deliver the cleanest, most reliable energy to global markets. We look forward to partnering with Woodside, and together, reinforcing and strengthening our collective roles as trusted providers of sustainable energy solutions that meet growing global demand.
