RWE Finishes First Louisiana Solar Project

RWE has officially completed construction on its first-ever project in Louisiana: the 100 MW Lafitte Solar project in Ouachita Parish, delivering a major milestone for both the company and the state’s renewable energy transition. Located just outside Monroe, the project is expected to be fully operational and producing clean electricity by the end of the year, marking a new chapter for solar development in northern Louisiana.

Enabled through a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Meta, the Lafitte Solar project will supply low-cost, renewable energy to the Louisiana grid. Through the agreement, Meta will also receive the project’s environmental benefits, including Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), helping the company move closer to its clean energy and sustainability goals.

The project’s completion was celebrated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis, the Ouachita Parish Police Jury, the 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 milestone:
"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."

Economic Impact: Jobs, Local Spending, and $32 Million in Tax Revenue

The Lafitte Solar project is projected to deliver long-term benefits for Ouachita Parish and the Monroe region. Over the course of its operations, it is expected to generate approximately $32 million in regional tax revenue, supporting key public services such as:

• Local schools
• Law enforcement
• Emergency services
• Community infrastructure

During peak construction, the project supported 150+ full-time jobs, many of which were filled by local workers. Crews partnered with RWE’s EPC contractor, McCarthy Building Companies, whose teams contributed to local spending by patronizing restaurants, shops, and service businesses throughout the parish.

Joe Holyfield, President of the Ouachita Industrial Development Board, emphasized the project’s immediate economic value:
"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."

Meta also applauded the milestone, underscoring the project’s dual benefits of economic growth and clean energy adoption.
Amanda Yang, Head of Clean and Renewable Energy at Meta, 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."

Community Investment: Schools, Parks, and Food Security

RWE and McCarthy have committed deeply to community programs in the greater Monroe area, extending the project’s impact beyond electricity generation.

Their contributions include:

• Donations to Roy Neal Shelling, Sr. Elementary School for classroom supplies
• Holiday toy contributions from McCarthy
• Funding a new playground at Tanglewood Community Park
• One of the largest holiday food donations ever received by the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana

These investments were designed to support families, expand youth recreation access, and improve quality of life across Ouachita Parish—highlighting RWE’s long-term commitment to local partnerships, not just project construction.

Sustainable Land Use and Agrivoltaics: A Dual-Purpose Model

Lafitte Solar has also been designed to support Louisiana’s agricultural landscape through a combination of biodiversity initiatives and agrivoltaic practices.

Key features include:

• Native and natural vegetation planted around the project perimeter to protect local habitats
• Collaboration with Louisiana farmers to introduce a flock of 600+ sheep for vegetation management
• Preservation of surrounding farmlands through low-impact land use practices

This dual-purpose agricultural–solar model reduces the need for mechanical mowing, supports local livestock operations, and enhances soil health. It also demonstrates how renewable energy projects can function in harmony with Louisiana’s farming culture—an increasingly important approach as the state balances economic development with environmental protection.

Why This Project Matters for Louisiana’s Energy Future

Lafitte Solar arrives at a critical moment for Louisiana, a state historically dependent on natural gas and petrochemical industries. The project:

• Diversifies the state’s power mix
• Contributes to resilience as regions adopt more grid-stabilizing renewables
• Attracts large corporate buyers like Meta that seek renewable power for operations
• Strengthens rural economic development through infrastructure and job creation

For RWE, this project is part of a broader push across the United States, where the company is now the third largest renewable energy developer with more than 2,000 employees and over 10 gigawatts of operating wind, solar, and storage projects.

RWE’s U.S. strategy also supports domestic manufacturing growth and American energy independence through investments in local supply chains and long-term infrastructure.

Originally reported by RWE in PR News Wire.