Baton Rouge is positioned to be the Capital of Low Carbon Energy due to its geological make-up, immense plant network, and talent-ready workforce. Geologically, the Capital Region is equipped to support carbon subsurface storage with some of the highest well densities in the United States, which is additionally supported by the Gulf Coast hydrogen pipeline and plant network. As an anchor within the pipeline, Baton Rouge companies benefit from easy access to over 15 hydrogen plants and 500 miles of hydrogen pipeline. The region’s renowned universities further support the sector with its talent-ready network of over 55,000 college students that feed into the region's industrial workforce of over 100,000, which makes up approximately 25% of the workforce.
Workforce
Approximately 100,000 individuals in the Capital Region work directly or indirectly in the industrial sector, which includes biofuels operations. The concentration rate of chemical engineering in the area is 7.92, which indicates a 700% higher concentration than the rest of the nation, ranking the region as one of the top in the country.
Additionally, the region’s renowned universities and colleges offer customized industry partnerships and trainings to further develop talent for industrial companies.
Incentives
Companies in the transitional energy sector may be eligible for state incentives, including:
- Property Tax Exemption: A property tax abatement for up to 10 years on a manufacturer’s new investment and annual capitalized additions
- Quality Jobs Program: Up to a 6 percent rebate on annual payroll expenses for up to 10 years and either a state sales/use tax rebate on capital expenses or a 1.5 percent project facility expense rebate for qualifying expenses
- Research & Development Tax Credit: A tax credit up to 30 percent to existing businesses with operating facilities in Louisiana to establish or continue research and development within the state
- Angel Investors Tax Credit: A 25 percent tax credit on investments, by accredited investors, in businesses certified by Louisiana Economic Development as Louisiana Entrepreneurial Businesses
Assets
The LSU Center for Energy Studies conducts, encourages, and facilitates research and analysis to address energy-related problems or issues affecting Louisiana's economy, environment, and citizenry.
Louisiana Geological Survey is the premier geological research institution in the state of Louisiana, providing unbiased geological and environmental information to state agencies and other decision-making bodies to assure environmentally sound natural resource development and economic prosperity for the state.
Part of the largest port system in the nation, the Port of Greater Baton Rouge gives access to America’s heartland, the Gulf of Mexico, Latin America, and beyond. The Port of Greater Baton Rouge forms part of the largest port system in the nation and is ranked among the top 15 in the U.S. in terms of cargo volume, annually shipping more than 53 million tons. This keeps the country connected by acting as a gateway to America’s heartland, the Gulf of Mexico and Latin America, while also offering direct barge access to 32 states, two Canadian provinces, and nearly 15,000 miles of inland water transportation. The Port of Greater Baton Rouge is also ideal for intermodal transportation thanks to direct access to ship, barge, truck and rail.
Sites
The Baton Rouge Area has 36 development-ready sites. View the full sites database.
– River-plex Megapark
At 17,000+/- acres, the megapark is the largest contiguous undeveloped tract of land on the deep water of the Mississippi River. With access to the Union Pacific Mainline, two possible deep draft locations on site, and access to numerous product pipelines including natural gas, ethane, ethylene, butante, and propane, the site offers unparalleled opportunity for major industry. The West Bank Industrial Overlay was created to encompass the site and establish expedited re-zoning, and the site qualifies for Opportunity Zone tax benefits.
– Cleco Cajun Industrial Park
A Louisiana Economic Development certified site, the CLECO Cajun site is 640 acres primed for industrial use. Located in the Northwest portion of the Capital Region, this industrial area is located a short distance from the Audubon Bridge and 11 miles from the North Baton Rouge Parish line on Highway 61. This property boasts three-fourths of a mile of river frontage, with 96” process and discharge water lines onsite.
– West Feliciana Industrial Park
With 547 of a total 1,357 available acres certified through the LED Certified Sites Program, the West Feliciana Industrial Park site has convenience built in and is development ready. The site features an active rail spur with Canadian National and shallow access to the Mississippi River.
Notable Employers
Featured News
BRAC, Baton Rouge Carbon Reduction Alliance Partner with The Digest to Launch REenergize the Gulf Coast
BRAC and the Baton Rouge Carbon Reduction Alliance Partner with publication The Digest to Launch REenergize the Gulf Coast online community.
Capital Region Celebrates Over $10B in Capital Investments Over Three Years
The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) yesterday celebrated 39 companies who made the decision to locate or expand in the Capital Region from 2020 to now. The companies represented 45 economic development project wins, over $10B in capital expenditures, and 3,600 new jobs.
