RWE has successfully completed construction of its first solar project in Louisiana, the 100 MW Lafitte Solar project located in Ouachita Parish, near Monroe. The project is expected to be fully operational and generating electricity by the end of the year. Lafitte Solar was made possible through a long-term Power Purchase Agreement with Meta, which will also receive all environmental benefits associated with the project, including Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). The completion of the project was celebrated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis, local officials from the Ouachita Parish Police Jury and Ouachita Parish Industrial Development Board, RWE leadership, employees, and construction partner McCarthy Building Companies.
Andrew Flanagan, CEO of RWE Clean Energy, highlighted the significance of the project, stating that Lafitte Solar, RWE’s first initiative in Louisiana, will provide low-cost, locally generated energy to the state’s grid. The project is expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 17,000 homes and businesses in the area, strengthening Monroe’s power supply while supporting community growth and resilience.
Lafitte Solar is also expected to generate around $32 million in regional tax revenue over its operating lifetime, supporting public schools, law enforcement, and emergency services. Construction was carried out in partnership with RWE’s EPC partner McCarthy, creating over 150 full-time jobs at the project’s peak. Local businesses and restaurants also benefited during construction, as workers engaged with area stores and services, further amplifying the project’s economic impact.
Joe Holyfield, President of the Ouachita Industrial Development Board, noted that Lafitte Solar brought significant jobs and investment to Ouachita Parish at a critical time, benefiting local businesses and contributing to the region’s long-term growth. Amanda Yang, Head of Clean and Renewable Energy at Meta, expressed enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing that Lafitte Solar adds clean energy to the grid while supporting local employment and the community.
RWE has also taken steps to support local schools and families. The company partnered with Roy Neal Shelling, Sr. Elementary School to provide donations for classroom resources, while McCarthy contributed toys during the holiday season. Together, RWE and McCarthy funded a new playground at Tanglewood Community Park and made one of the largest holiday food donations ever received by the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana, benefiting families across Monroe.
The project’s design emphasizes sustainable land use. Natural and native vegetation around the site promotes biodiversity and protects surrounding farmland. Additionally, Lafitte Solar will implement agrivoltaics by using a flock of over 600 sheep to manage vegetation on site. This practice supports local agriculture while maintaining healthy ecosystems, demonstrating how renewable energy development can coexist with farming and contribute positively to the local community.
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