RWE said it has completed construction of its first project in Louisiana, the 100MW Lafitte solar project in Ouachita Parish.
The company said the project will be fully online and generating energy by the end of the year.
RWE said Lafitte Solar was enabled through a long-term power purchase agreement with Meta, which receives all environmental benefits including RECs.
RWE said the project was celebrated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis, local officials, RWE leadership, employees and construction partner McCarthy Building Companies.
Andrew Flanagan said: “Lafitte Solar is RWE’s first project in Louisiana, and will provide low-cost, homegrown energy to the Louisiana grid and generate enough electricity to power 17,000 local homes and businesses. By providing affordable and reliable electricity, we are strengthening Monroe’s power supply while supporting the community’s growth and resilience.”
RWE said Lafitte Solar is projected to generate approximately $32 million in regional tax revenue over its operating lifetime.
The company said construction supported more than 150 full-time jobs at its peak and amplified economic impact through worker spending in local businesses.
Joe Holyfield said: “Lafitte Solar brought jobs and investment to Ouachita Parish at a crucial time. Our local businesses felt an immediate benefit, and we look forward to sustained growth as energy projects like these strengthen our region’s future.”
Amanda Yang said: “We’re thrilled to see the Lafitte Solar project reach this important milestone – not only adding clean energy to the grid locally but adding jobs to the local economy. Projects like Lafitte Solar are essential to achieving our clean energy goals while strengthening communities.”
RWE said it remains dedicated to supporting local schools and families through donations and community initiatives delivered with McCarthy.
The company said it is funding a new playground at Tanglewood Community Park and providing major holiday food donations for families in Monroe.
RWE said Lafitte Solar’s site design uses natural and native vegetation to promote biodiversity and habitat conservation.
The company said the project will incorporate agrivoltaics using a flock of over 600 sheep to maintain healthy vegetation and support regional farmers.