Pine Prairie Energy Center

Overview

The proposed expansion of the Pine Prairie Energy Center (PPEC) will add a sixth cavern, increasing natural gas storage capacity by 15.4 Bcf. This added capacity will enhance the flexibility and reliability of gas supply, support price stability, and strengthen energy security by improving response to demand fluctuations and market disruptions. The project will also generate economic benefits through job creation and investment, while reinforcing Louisiana’s role as a critical hub in the U.S. energy network.

This project will be regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) under the 7(c)-application filing process, ensuring thorough consultation and coordination with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies, as well as community stakeholders.

Background

Pine Prairie Energy Center is an underground natural gas storage facility located in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana. The facility is designed for the injection and storage of natural gas in five salt caverns and the withdrawal of stored gas from these caverns for delivery to various gas transmission pipelines, including Williams’ Transco pipeline.

Project Benefits

Creating jobs and driving investment, the proposed project will expand natural gas storage by 15.4 billion cubic feet, boosting energy reliability across the region and nation. The added capacity helps utilities and industrial users manage peak demand and maintain supply flexibility. It also supports price stability during high-demand periods or supply disruptions and reinforces the Gulf Coast’s role as a major energy hub and Louisiana’s importance in the national energy network.

Increased Natural Gas Storage Capacity

• Adds 15.4 Bcf of storage, enhancing regional and national energy reliability.
• Supports peak demand management and improves supply flexibility for utilities and industrial users.

Energy Security & Market Stability

• Strengthens the Gulf Coast’s role as a major energy hub.
• Helps stabilize natural gas prices by providing more storage during periods of high demand or supply disruption.

Infrastructure Optimization

• Leverages existing infrastructure at PPEC, minimizing environmental and land-use impacts compared to greenfield development.
• Enhances operational efficiency by integrating with the existing five-cavern system.