Technip Energies is reportedly bidding for a $10 billion contract to build the Starbase Louisiana methane facility for SpaceX. The French engineering company would then design and build key propellant manufacturing facilities at SpaceX’s massive new facility in Louisiana. One of SpaceX’s most ambitious industrial projects announced Aug. 25 is the Starbase Louisiana methane facility. Elon Musk was also expected to announce the contract winner on September 1, but no official word has been released.

The Starbase Louisiana methane plant would supply liquid methane fuel for Starship’s Raptor engines for thousands of launches per year. In particular, SpaceX requires integrated propellant production to enable 30+ flights per day at full capacity. Technip Energies has designed more than 20% of the world’s existing LNG liquefaction capacity. Hence, the French company is a viable option that has technical experience.

SpaceX is also making rapid progress on its Starship launch infrastructure in Florida, focusing primarily on dual-site capability across NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and the adjacent Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. At Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A), construction of the primary Starship launch pad and second orbital tower, known as “Mechazilla”, has seen major structural additions.

Starbase Louisiana Methane Facility Requires 36-Month Construction Timeline

SpaceX requires a difficult 36-month construction period for the Starbase Louisiana methane plant. Remarkably, Technip Energies said it could achieve this aggressive schedule. Construction of Overall Starbase starts in 2027, with first Starship launch in 2029 from Louisiana. Also, the proposed design by Technip is based on the 9.5 million tonne per year project being built by Commonwealth LNG in Cameron Parish. The Starbase Louisiana methane plant, however, would be powered by electrified drives instead of gas turbines, with the goal of maximizing on-site SpaceX energy production.

Starbase Louisiana Expansion Creates Self-Sustaining Aerospace Complex

SpaceX’s entire Starbase Louisiana plan covers about 506 square kilometers in Vermilion Parish near Pecan Island. In addition, the company is developing ten Starship launch pads, energy generation facilities on site, deep-water port facilities, and employee housing. Furthermore, SpaceX estimates that the total investment in the entire multi-year development program will be more than $100 billion.

Project Overview

• Project Name: Starbase Louisiana Methane Facility
• Estimated Value: $10 Billion (€8.6 Billion)
• Location: Vermilion Parish, Pecan Island, Louisiana
• Developer: SpaceX
• Primary Bidder: Technip Energies (France)
• Status: Bid submitted, winner announcement pending

Scope

• Liquid methane production facility
• Cryogenic liquefaction infrastructure
• Propellant storage and loading systems
• Integration with ten Starship launch pads
• On-site energy production coordination

Project Highlights

• Supports 30+ daily Starship launches at full capacity
• 36-month construction timeline requirement
• Based on Commonwealth LNG design principles
• Electrified liquefaction drives planned
• First launch targeted 2029 from Starbase Louisiana

Key Developments

• Starbase Louisiana announced August 25, 2026
• Technip Energies bid reported September 1, 2026
• Contract award expected Q3 2026
• Commonwealth LNG approved May 2026, now in implementation phase

Key Challenges

• Achieving 36-month construction completion
• Producing liquid methane for space-grade propellant use
• Integrating with on-site SpaceX energy systems
• Supporting thousands of annual Starship launch operations
• Coordinating with liquid oxygen production facilities

Outlook

• Winner announcement expected September 2026
• Construction begins late 2027
• Facility operational by 2029 for first launches
• Supports SpaceX’s rapid reuse rocket program
• Establishes Louisiana as major aerospace propellant hub