FAQs

Q

What is UBE's project planned for the Cornerstone Energy Park (CEP)?

UBE Corporation, a major manufacturer of chemicals in Japan, has been a global supplier for more than 120 years and has over 30 years of safe dimethyl carbonate (DMC) manufacturing experience. To enhance its presence in the U.S., UBE C1 Chemicals America Inc. (UCCA), a wholly owned subsidiary of UBE Corporation, is building a new manufacturing facility at the Cornerstone Energy Park (CEP) in Waggaman, Louisiana. UBE Corporation made its final investment decision for the UCCA project in February 2024, and the project received local permitting approvals in November 2024. This project will produce essential components for energy storage systems. This will be UBE's first large-scale facility in the U.S. and establish the first reliable domestic U.S. production and supply of these vital materials.

Q

What products will be manufactured by UCCA?

The UCCA facility will produce dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), both critical components used in energy storage systems that support products such as electric and hybrid vehicles, data centers and portable technology like phones and drones. Once constructed, the facility will produce the first reliable domestic U.S. supply for these vital materials. UBE's unique nitrite process was pioneered in the 1970s and allows for efficient production of DMC with reduced environmental impact and fewer by-products.

Q

What is dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC)? How are they made?

Dimethyl carbonate, or DMC, is a colorless, low-toxic liquid that will be produced using UBE's proprietary process. This method dramatically minimizes by-products dramatically compared to conventional processes and reduces environmental impact. The chemical is a key ingredient in lithium-ion batteries, enhancing battery performance and lifespan by delaying the degradation of protective electrolytes.

Ethyl methyl carbonate, or EMC, is a solvent for electrolytes, which plays a significant role in how well lithium-ion batteries function overall. It is a clear liquid created by combining high-purity DMC with high-purity ethanol (a common type of alcohol). As part of the electrolyte solution, EMC improves battery performance, especially at low temperatures.

UBE's established manufacturing process ensures that both DMC and EMC are produced with high purity, which is crucial for the performance of energy systems.

Q

Why is this project needed?

UCCA will establish the first domestic U.S. supply of DMC and EMC. To date, most of these important materials in the energy storage supply chain have been imported from China. Establishing a domestic, stable supply chain is critical to ensure reliable access to materials essential for manufacturing energy storage systems that support products such as electric and hybrid vehicles, data centers and portable technology like phones and drones, and domestic chip manufacturing. As energy consumption in the U.S. increases, systems that store energy for later use will be key to meeting increasing demand. UCCA stands ready to help the U.S. meet that need with products made here at home.

Q

How would the manufacturing process and materials be handled for this project?

UCCA will oversee the construction and management of the Waggaman facility, upholding its commitment to safety and sustainability. UCCA will own the facilities and the produced materials and provide its specialized product expertise. Cornerstone Chemical Company will supply some feedstocks and utilities needed for the project.

Q

How will the finished products be transported?

Products leaving the site for sale will be primarily transported by truck using ISO containers. ISO shipping containers are standardized intermodal containers built to international standards and designed to be safe and reliable for transporting cargo. They are made from high-strength steel, which is also used to build bridges and buildings, and are built to withstand harsh conditions. ISO containers also undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can withstand thousands of pounds of weight.

Q

Will UCCA's new facility and its production process be safe?

UCCA's project is being planned and managed with the same rigorous commitment to safety and sustainability that is characteristic of all UBE facilities. The project is designed to increase site efficiencies and reduce by-products, resulting in cleaner processes and even safer operating practices.

Q

What are UCCA's safety and response plans for this project?

At UBE, safety and preparedness are our priorities. UCCA will utilize CEP's trained response personnel and site safety resources as part of this project. CEP has its own onsite fire station, emergency operating center, medical center, paramedics, and nursing team. Response personnel are trained and equipped to respond quickly to any emergencies that may arise onsite.

Q

Will UCCA's project impact the environment?

UCCA is committed to minimizing its environmental impact across all facilities it operates. UBE's proprietary nitrite process for producing DMC is highly efficient and generates fewer by-products compared to traditional methods, enabling the company to produce these critical components with a significantly limited environmental impact compared to other existing plants and processes in the industry.

Q

Would the production process or the completed facilities involved in the UCCA's facility be noisy, dusty or odorous?

UCCA designs its projects and facilities with careful consideration for the health and safety of its neighbors, workforce and the environment. This project will result in limited noise and odors, and will not produce dust.

Limited noise: UCCA will comply with any applicable noise regulations. Rotating equipment, such as compressors, create noise in a DMC/EMC plant. However, this commonly used equipment does not project noise beyond the site.

Limited odors: UBE's production design is compliant with all required regulations. Any potential for odor during the production process will be carefully monitored and mitigated.

No dust: DMC/ EMC products are in liquid form and shipped in ISO containers by truck. There is no dust produced during production or transportation. Some waste from production is solid. UCCA will treat solid waste using required and regulated processes so as not to impact areas outside of CEP.

Q

What is the estimated local economic impact (e.g., wages, salaries) of this project?

The UCCA project represents a significant $500 million investment in Jefferson Parish, which will boost industrial competitiveness and advance sustainability with minimal environmental impact while creating 50-60 new, full-time, skilled positions in the Waggaman community. This equates to an annual labor income surpassing $17 million. An analysis by GNO Inc. estimates that during the construction phase of the project, nearly 2,000 temporary jobs will be created generating an estimated $133 million in labor income with a $491 million capital expenditure.

Q

How are tariffs impacting UCCA's construction and operations?

The UCCA facility in Louisiana will produce DMC and EMC, both critical components used in the development of energy storage systems needed to meet the energy needs of tomorrow. Today, the U.S. market depends 100% on imported DMC and EMC, mostly from China. This project represents the first and only reliable domestic manufacturing of these products in the U.S. and is intended to bolster the domestic supply chain by reducing heavy reliance on Chinese imports. Federal tariffs have created significant cost increases for UBE's investments in the U.S., including UCCA. UCCA is working to navigate the financial challenges posed by federal tariffs and bring the facility to completion. The company is continuing to work with federal, state and local leaders to navigate potential opportunities for tariff relief and to adhere to and implement any new trade agreements that may be negotiated by the Administration.

Q

Will UCCA's project create new career opportunities in Jefferson Parish?

Yes, the UCCA facility represents a significant $500 million investment in Jefferson Parish, which will boost industrial competitiveness and advance sustainability with minimal environmental impact while creating 50-60 new, full-time, skilled positions in the Waggaman community. This investment will create valuable clean energy jobs and strengthen Louisiana's leadership in the chemical manufacturing supply chain, further developing southeast Louisiana's manufacturing workforce.

Q

How many construction jobs would the project create?

The UCCA project is expected to create approximately 400 construction jobs during the facility's construction phase, which began in 2025. The company anticipates the facility will be operational by early 2027.

Q

How can I find job listings for this project?

Are you an innovator looking to join the first energy storage supply chain project in the Southeast Region? The UCCA project in Waggaman is actively seeking individuals who have a passion for meeting global challenges and continuous improvement. Learn more.

Q

Will UCCA hire local employees, suppliers and vendors for this project?

UCCA is committed to transparent operations, local hiring, local purchasing, and community investment. UCCA intends to build upon this commitment by prioritizing local employees, suppliers, and vendors when possible in all aspects of the construction and long-term operations of the facility.

Q

What is modular construction, and what are its benefits?

As we continue forward in constructing the UCCA production facility and establishing the first reliable U.S. supply of components critical to the development of energy storage systems, we are utilizing the best technology and methods available, including modular construction. In modular construction, equipment is built in smaller sections that are easier to transport, which are then delivered and assembled onsite. The benefits of modular equipment include construction that is cost effective and more efficient.

Q

Will road closures be necessary for project construction?

One of the first steps of construction at the UCCA facility includes transporting modular equipment from shipping barges on the Mississippi River to the construction site at the Cornerstone Energy Park via a temporary heavy-haul bridge over Highway 18 (River Road). Modules will be safely transported by barge and moved from the river across the temporary bridge to the site using hydraulic systems. For safety, vehicles will not be permitted to pass under the temporary bridge during limited parts of the bridge construction or during module equipment transport over the bridge. Therefore, periodic closures and detours on River Road near the Cornerstone Energy Park will be necessary.

Q

When will road closures occur, and how will the closure schedule be communicated to the community?

Road closures related to the construction of a temporary heavy-haul bridge over River Road and the transport of modular equipment to UCCA's site began in early December 2025. Intermittent and temporary road closures will continue as bridge construction is completed, through module transport and the disassembly of the bridge in early February.

These closures will be scheduled outside of peak traffic times and will typically last less than one hour. Information about the temporary road closures will be posted on digital roadside signage along River Road and communicated to community leaders and neighbors in advance of work. More information about the timing and duration of intermittent road closures, as well as potential detour routes, will be communicated as information becomes available. Anyone wishing to receive alerts regarding River Road closures and other CEP site activities is encouraged to register for updates via the Cornerstone Safety Notification System at https://cornerstonechemco.com/operational-excellence.

Q

Is the community aware of the planned project?

During project planning phases, UCCA and CEP representatives spent significant time engaging community feedback and providing information on this project. Company representatives had multiple conversations detailing this project with the local community, state and local officials, CEP employees, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders. The project was well received and obtained all final local approvals by November 2024. UCCA regularly participates in CEP's Community Advisory Panel (CAP), a group of local residents that meet with company representatives to receive updates and provide input on ongoing and planned activities at the site. UCCA will continue to remain transparent in response to all inquiries as the project progresses.

Q

How does UCCA intend to invest in the local community and demonstrate its commitment to being a good neighbor?

UBE's commitment to investing locally runs deep, and the UCCA facility will maintain this commitment within the Waggaman and Jefferson Parish communities. Since announcing the project, we have found success in partnering and engaging locally. For example, during groundbreaking ceremonies for the project in early 2025, Tom Yura, President and Chief Executive Officer of UCCA announced the company's first direct community investments totaling $50,000 to six organizations who are making a difference locally, including Cherbonnier / Rillieux Elementary School, L.W. Higgins High School, Joseph A. Cuillier Sr. Career Center, Waggaman Community Foundation, Live Oak Manor Volunteer Fire Department, and New Growth Economic Development Association. In October 2025, UCCA was named Jefferson Parish Schools' Partner of the Month, recognizing our continued efforts to support local education.

UCCA's investments reflect the company's commitment to local students and educators, community initiatives, first responders, and cultural, civic and economic development activities that support small and independently owned businesses in the area.