Entergy Louisiana’s proposal to add up to three gigawatts of economic solar power to its generation portfolio has been approved by the Louisiana Public Service Commission, marking what the utility calls the largest renewable power expansion in the state’s history.
“This approval underscores our commitment to meeting operational and sustainability needs, driving economic development, and protecting the environment,” said Phillip May, Entergy Louisiana President and CEO. “It’s a significant win for the future of our state. I want to thank everyone who helped see this proposal come to fruition, including our local officials and regulators.”
The approval authorizes a streamlined procurement and approval process that will enable the construction of several solar resources within Louisiana. This initiative aligns with Entergy Corporation’s plans for growing its renewable energy resources by 2031 and its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the utility said.
Today, nearly 25% of Entergy Louisiana’s generation portfolio comes from carbon-free resources, including nuclear and renewable technologies. Entergy Louisiana’s long-term vision includes more investment in clean energy infrastructure, especially utility-scale solar. The company’s vision also includes further funding of energy efficiency programs and partnerships with local stakeholders to promote sustainability and resilience.
Entergy Louisiana currently has approximately 230 MW of renewable resources, including the Capital Region Solar facility, which was the first utility-scale solar project approved by the Louisiana Public Service Commission and began delivering power to the grid in October 2020. In January of this year, the Louisiana Public Service Commission approved a solar filing consisting of approximately 225 MW of renewable projects, bringing the operating company’s total solar portfolio to over 3,800 MW in various stages of development and approval.
