DE Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI and Cleco Power have signed a long-term renewable energy offtake agreement for a 240MW solar plant in the US state of Louisiana.
The Dolet Hills Solar project will be constructed at the recently retired Dolet Hills lignite-fired power plant in DeSoto Parish.
Pending project approvals, Dolet Hills will be one of the largest solar facilities in Louisiana and will represent more than $250m in investment.
While Dolet Hills Solar is the first power purchase agreement between the companies, DESRI’s portfolio in Louisiana will now total nearly 700MW in construction and contracted clean power projects.
“DESRI is proud to deliver low-cost, clean, reliable power to Cleco and its customers from this landmark solar energy facility,” said Hy Martin, Chief Development Officer of DESRI.
“Alongside our partners at Cleco, the project will provide local economic benefits to DeSoto Parish and the surrounding communities for years to come. In addition, the project will replace lignite-fired electricity with renewable power sited on reclaimed mining lands.”
The solar project supports Cleco’s growing renewable energy fleet and follows the company’s recent announcement of Project Diamond Vault, a carbon capture facility at its central Louisiana Brame Energy Center.