LAFAYETTE — A Louisiana energy company is set to receive a $1.6 billion investment to expand its headquarters and build out natural gas infrastructure along the Gulf Coast, Louisiana Economic Development said.

Black Bayou Energy Hub, LLC announced the investment, which covers work at its Lafayette headquarters and a new development in Cameron Parish. The project is aimed at strengthening Louisiana's liquefied natural gas corridor and meeting growing demand from LNG exporters, power generators, utilities and manufacturers.

The company is expected to create 23 direct new jobs and retain five existing positions. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will generate 35 additional indirect jobs, bringing the total to 58 potential new job opportunities across the Southwest and Acadiana Regions.

The project is also expected to support more than 1,000 construction jobs at peak.

Black Bayou Energy Hub is building infrastructure to increase the movement, storage and delivery of natural gas across the Gulf Coast. The work will add capacity and connectivity to Louisiana's existing energy network.

The company is headquartered in Lafayette and was established to build natural gas infrastructure around the Black Bayou salt dome in southwest Louisiana. Mercuria serves as its majority equity sponsor.

To secure the project, Louisiana offered Black Bayou Energy Hub a competitive incentives package that includes workforce development solutions through LED FastStart and $1 million from the Economic Development Award Program for infrastructure improvements. The company is also expected to participate in the state's High Impact Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption Programs.