# DOE Finances Louisiana Gulf Platform Expansion

The U.S. Department of Energy closed a **$480 million loan** to Arena Energy LLC on November 10, 2026, for Project Elkhorn, which will modernize 22 offshore platforms on the Gulf shelf off Louisiana and expand oil and natural gas production. The work includes returning idled platforms to service, expanding active facilities, and building natural gas pipelines. DOE estimates the project will support 2,400 construction-related jobs and 400 operations jobs. This is federal energy financing—not a competitive solicitation—and no RFP or procurement contact was identified.

- Contractors can assess potential subcontracting and supply-chain work related to offshore platform upgrades, facility expansion, and pipeline construction; the signals identify no open procurement or award process for those activities.
- Arena Energy is the loan recipient and the central commercial entity for firms seeking to pursue project-related business.
- The project’s scale and planned infrastructure work may be relevant to offshore construction, energy services, and pipeline firms evaluating Gulf Coast capacity and teaming opportunities.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding
**Published:** November 10, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
- Office of Energy Dominance Financing (EDF)

### Vendors
- Arena Energy LLC (loan recipient)

### Key Quotes
> Project Elkhorn will increase oil production by up to 38,600 barrels per day and create thousands of jobs.
> — Chris Wright, U.S. Secretary of Energy

### Sources
- [Energy Department Closes $480 Million Loan to Expand American Energy Production and Strengthen Offshore Infrastructure in the Gulf of America | Department of Energy](https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-department-closes-480-million-loan-expand-american-energy-production-and-strengthen) - Energy Fecm