Australia's Woodside Energy gave final approval to build a $17.5 billion liquefied natural gas project in Louisiana, confident a pro-fossil fuel U.S. administration and strong demand will give it competitive returns.

Woodside Energy approved the $17.5 billion development of the Louisiana LNG project, betting on strong ongoing demand for traditional fuels and the U.S. as a key natural gas supplier to the global market.

Woodside (NYSE:WDS) signed an agreement with BP (NYSE:BP) on Tuesday for the integrated energy major to supply natural gas to the Louisiana LNG project. This agreement represents the first tranche of a diversified portfolio of feedgas that will support the Louisiana LNG project,