It could produce 50 megawatts of power. Five of D.E. But that's what Entergy Mississippi is doing with their green pricing programs and I think there's a push to do that in Louisiana as well, a premium on top of your existing bill for a percentage of renewable resources. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. Canadian Solar subsidiary Recurrent Energy is leading the development, a 98 megawatt project on 1,000 acres for $98 million. The other such installation is the 345 MW Ventress Solar project, set to start construction by the end of this year and slated for completion in 2023. Shaw has backed financially across North America is the nation's first offshore wind project, Block Island Wind Farm off the coast of Rhode Island, which drew offshore and fabrication expertise from companies in Louisiana. At least in his parish, early fears that solar panels would supplant farms across the parish don't appear to be realistic, Thibaut said. Solar power companies are proposing another seven large-scale solar-power projects valued at about $1 billion in rural areas of southeast Louisiana at a time when the fledgling industry has drawn objections from rural residents and the scrutiny of parish officials, state lawmakers and regulators. The 1,970-acre project, which could produce 200 megawatts of electricity, is expected to be along Bucket Road in Singer. At least two of D.E. Your personal data will only be disclosed or otherwise transmitted to third parties for the purposes of spam filtering or if this is necessary for technical maintenance of the website. Shaw's hedge fund is known among those in California's Silicon Valley and has prominent investors but is managed by an external board of executives. Cleco,Lafayette Utilities System and a number of electrical cooperatives, includingDEMCO, which operates in the Baton Rouge area, have signed deals for commercial-scale solar power or announced plans to do so. Mostly through subsidiary Entergy Louisiana, Entergy has reached power agreements for the more than 4,200 acres of solar projects built or proposed in St. James. WebWe are planning to build, own and operate a privately funded $170 million renewable energy project that will deliver electricity into the local grid, helping with Louisianas energy independence and energy security. That solar movement in Louisiana, for now, is being driven by Entergy Louisiana as the purchaser of electricity through long-term contracts with companies that are building and operating solar farms. State records show that previously undisclosed projects seeking economic incentives include three in the St. James Parish community of Vacherie and one each in Thibodaux, Bogalusa, Singer and Franklinton. Neither of those companies were the original developer of the project. The five co-ops banded together to develop a replacement for their soon-to-expire power-supply contract with CLECO Cajun, a Louisiana company that is part of CLECO Power in Pineville. That was Eagle Solar Group, which hails from Arizona. I am confident that it will provide reliable and inexpensive power to these Louisiana co-ops for years to come.. Email David J. Mitchell at dmitchell@theadvocate.com. "It's a huge ag industry. Bayou Galion Solar Project LLC will build the Morehouse Parish solar plant. The firm is part of Recurrent Energy Development Holdings, a North American solar-power and energy-storage developer. concerns from these residents generally regard the size of the project, its impact on the local environment, damage that project hardware could cause as debris in the event of a hurricane destroying it, and why their town was specifically chosen. "It's about striking a balance. This could power almost 21,000 homes. The Bayou Galion solar project is expected to start construction and begin operation in 2024. The farm, owned by the hedge fund D.E. Solar development is largely in its infancy in Louisiana, with only a handful of projects having been constructed to date. We also offer comprehensive global coverage of the most important solar markets worldwide. The Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) has approved a power purchase agreement for the 132 MW DC /98 MW AC Bayou Galion solar project developed by Recurrent Energy and located in Morehouse Parish in Northeast Louisiana. Shaw Investments is supporting seven utility-scale projects in Louisiana, while eight other businesses from startups to big players from inside and outside the United States are behind nine other large-scale solar projects in various stages across the state. One, released in June 2020, is for 300 megawatts. This information came from an advance notification filed with Louisianas economic development office. This summer, Cleco sought help from an independent consultant to structure its new venture into building a solar farm portfolio, according to Louisiana Public Service Commission records. "Even if the electricity were sold to an off-taker outside the state the economic benefits would stay in the parish," said Bryan Garner, director of communications for NextEra Energy Resources. You can also view the average costs for installing solar in Louisiana, based on real price data from installed systems and solar quotes. The farm, owned by the hedge fund D.E. Pointe Coupee Parish President Major Thibaut has been through the approval of a large solar facility in Ventress, the worries from his parish's large agricultural base and the creation of an ordinance addressing some of those issues. Please be mindful of our community standards. Each project would support a range of 160 to 300 construction jobs, developers said. The answers may surprise you. The publicly traded utility that serves 1.3 million customers in the state has pledged to becarbon neutralby 2050. Here's a glance at the other proposed projects in the state and their developers: HELIOS INFRASTRUCTURE:Its 50 megawatt project cost $67 million to construct in West Baton Rouge Parish and is operational. The Iris Solar site comprises 492 acres and the St. James site spans approximately 218 acres. According to Auroras zoning exception application, the Chalkey project would use roughly one million solar modules and have a nameplate capacity between 300 and 400 MW. Solar Market Insight unless otherwise noted:http://www.seia.org/research-resources/us-solar-market-insight, 2Percentage of State's Electricity from Solar: Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly:http://www.eia.gov/electricity/monthly/#generation, 3Solar Jobs: The Solar Foundation, State Solar Jobs Census:http://www.thesolarfoundation.org/solar-jobs-census/states/, 4SEIA, National Solar Database:http://www.seia.org/research-resources/national-solar-database, 5SEIA, Major Solar Projects List:http://www.seia.org/research-resources/major-solar-projects-list, 7SEIA, Solar Means Business:https://www.seia.org/solar-means-business-report. Power from those farms would go to Entergy Louisiana, which supplies power to St. James, Baton Rouge, New Orleans and many other parts of the state. D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) announced the signing of a long-term renewable energy off-take agreement with Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO). WebTo date, we operate solar projects in 29 states, and the Beauregard Solar Project will be among the first solar projects in Louisiana. Otherwise, your data will be deleted if pv magazine has processed your request or the purpose of data storage is fulfilled. Diversion is expected to reach commercial operation in December 2024. Why these Louisiana fossil fuel land scouts are jumping into the solar power business, Who owns all these solar 'farms' across Louisiana? Walmart, for example, has sustainability goals and a sizable footprint in Louisiana. Shaw Renewable Investments, supplies power to Entergy New Orleans. One of Louisianas largest solar power projects ever is now under construction. Shaw Investments, which has emerged as the developer of seven of Louisiana's 16 proposed large-scale solar farms. It is planning a Don't see your company listed? The startup "identified the sites best suited to host a solar project" for the unidentified customer and is "actively working with this partner to develop a utility-scale solar project," according to its website. D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) announced the signing of a long-term renewable energy off-take agreement with Southwestern Electric Power Company The solar farm has over 100,000 individual solar panels and is off of Rosedale Rd. There was a problem saving your notification. The hedge fund, also known as DESRI, is seeking to expand around the 210-acre farm by 3,900 more acres in the area with different investors. So far, D.E. The hedge fund, also known as DESRI, is seeking to expand around the 210-acre farm by 3,900 more acres in the area with different investors. An estimated 300 people will be needed during the peak period of construction. State In the St. James community of Vacherie, two proposed solar projects, SJ Louisiana Solar and Vacherie Solar Energy Center, would cover 3,900 acres of west-bank sugar cane fields and add to an existing 210-acre complex known as St. James Solar. News item from D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments. Photovoltaic (PV) solar arrays capable of generating up to 100 Will state leaders follow through. There are various owners from around the world involved in the projects, some of the next-generation of wildcatters leasing land on the speculation projects can be financed, developed and the electricity generated can be sold to the highest bidder. Meanwhile, utilities and businesses are pursuing renewable sources of energy to help counter their use of power generated from fossil fuels. New Orleans plummets, Baton Rouge hits bottom of national clean energy rankings. While natural gas remains the dominant power source in the state, with nuclear, coal and hydroelectric trailing far behind, solar is inching into play in a movement toward diversifying power sources and bolstering renewable energy to replace aging facilities and particularly coal to reduce emissions and fight climate change. The state has approved all of the solar farms proposed for economic incentives so far. Thibodaux Solar is not yet registered in Louisiana but is in Delaware, incorporated in mid-June this year as a shell business. 20 and La. Dufresne's and other local officials' concerns reflect the unease that has arisen among some in rural Louisiana over the proliferation of solar farms over thousands of acres agricultural land. It is planning a $145 million solar project in Beauregard Parish to start construction in 2023 and wrap up in 2024, supporting 250 construction jobs and yielding three permanent jobs. Only one of the 16 is operational so far, with two of D.E. "The resources that will replace this low-sulfur coal-powered generation will be a diverse mix of power generation, which will include zero-carbon renewable energy resources.". EDP RENEWABLES:A U.S. subsidiary of Portuguese electric utilities giant Energias de Portugal is behind a $78.5 million solar project in Morehouse Parish near Bastrop. 2023 Some parishes have sought more control over solar project development, even going so far as to issue moratoriums on incentives and require special permitting.. DESRI will be the long-term owner and operator. However, the process is not far enough along for companies to start submitting proposals for projects. Complete our National Solar Database Survey! Parish officials estimate that Pointe Coupee probably has room for one more solar farm at least for the next decade. Privately held Savion LLC is under Green Investment Group and an indirect subsidiary of publicly traded Macquarie Group in Australia. Capital Region Solar Project . Along the Mississippi River, St. James' large tracts of agricultural land with roads, rail, pipeline and power have made the parish one of Louisiana's hot spots for industrial growth with the generally cheap natural gas prices of the past 10 to 15 years. "The calls for further evaluation by the Council is especially rich given how freely its members have allowed the petrochemical industry to expand in majority Black areas.". Shaw is planning $484 million of investment in Louisiana spread across six disclosed projects that are seeking economic incentives or already had them approved. "It would be difficult to make a prediction as of what percent of these projects, and or what other projects that are not listed here, move forward," said Greg Upton, associate professor at the Center for Energy Studies at LSU.. The owner of the farm, D.E. Louisiana solar farms could see millions in incentives. Army Of Spiral-Welding Wind Turbine Tower Trucks Sets Forth FromTexas? Overall, D.E. The company has developed and financed more than 75 projects in California, North Carolina, Georgia, Colorado and Minnesota, with more than $750 million in projects totaling 1 gigawatt around the world. Campbell said the Recurrent solar plant was one of nearly 200 energy options considered by the 1803 Electric Cooperative. In response to the latest round of projects seeking property tax and Quality Jobs program incentives, the Louisiana Economic Development department said in a statement that LED works to increase and retain jobs across all of Louisiana, including rural communities. The solar farm has over 100,000 individual solar panels and is off of Rosedale Road. Solar facilities also help diversify Louisianas electric generation sector. Select one or more editions for targeted, up to date information delivered straight to your inbox. The Prairie Ronde Solar project is expected to generate 327,000-megawatt hours, the average annual electricity consumption of 30,700 US homes. You have permission to edit this article. All Rights Reserved. Shaw Renewable, also known as DESRI, said his company does not plan to appeal the St. James Parish Planning Commission's ruling but may seek to reapply once new rules are known. WebTo date, we operate solar projects in 27 states, and Tangipahoa will be one of the first solar projects in Louisiana. The existing, smaller St. James Solar plant serves Entergy New Orleans to meet mandated renewable power goals in that city. A newly constructed 50-megawatt solar farm on 560 acres in West Baton Rouge Parish that has a supply contract with Entergy Louisiana has been . DESRI has executed a 20-year Renewable Energy Purchase Agreement (REPA) with SWEPCO to support the utilitys growing renewable energy portfolio and help power local customers electricity needs. 20. Mostly through subsidiary Entergy Louisiana, Entergy has reached power agreements for the more than 4,200 acres of solar projects built or proposed in St. James. These tax benefits would normally be touted by local officials. 20 and La. These projects would also outpace SEIAs expectations for solar capacity additions in the state over the next five years, which currently sits at 507 MW. Fact check:False claim that replacing cornfields with solar panels exacerbates climate change. That's being driven by environmental, social and corporate governance initiatives that institutional investors have embraced and by customer demand, he said.. The company estimates tax revenue for Beauregard Parish at $26 million over the "lifetime" of the project. The seven new proposed projects are: Kontiki Holdings LLC. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Currently, about 60% of Entergy Louisiana's power comes from natural gas plants. Two are already constructed in West Baton Rouge Parish and New Orleans East; two are under construction in Washington and St. James parishes; and three more were put out vying for a contract with Entergy for proposals in West Baton Rouge, East Feliciana and Morehouse parishes. The developer of the solar farms in St. James, D.E. As in St. James, the solar farms in Washington Parish are expected to improve local tax collections. Hold Ctrl or Cmd to select multiple editions. Louisiana farmers already have complained that they cannot compete with the per-acre lease price solar companies are willing to pay for land. If you like what we do and want to support us, please chip in a bit monthly via, 70%, 80%, 99.9%, 100% Renewables Study Central, Clean tech and sustainability market research, Climate Change Solutions: Why 1.5C Is So Important, Electric Vehicle Sales Charts, Graphs, & Stats, Engage Global Competition: Technology for a Sustainable Future. I would hate for that to be what Washington Parish is known for.". This is a part of the West Baton Rouge Solar Farm. If you're looking for information about local solar companies, check out EnergySage'slist of solar companies in Louisiana, where you can check out information about each company and see real customerreviews. Note: This story has been updated to accurately reflect the spelling ofAndersen Windows and Doors., Solar power companies are proposing another seven large-scale solar-power projects valued at about $1 billion in rural areas of southeast Loui. This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. Other developers would have two projects each in West Baton Rouge and Morehouse parishes and one each in Washington, Pointe Coupee, Lafourche, East Feliciana and Beauregard parishes. Following state regulatory approvals, AEP will file with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for approval to transfer the projects from Invenergy. Thats right, Louisianas politicians who are owned by the fossil fuel industry suspended financial incentives for utility-scale solar projects. A 50 megawatt, $67 million solar power farm in West Baton Rouge Parish operated by Helios Infrastructure is operational. Proposed $200 million projects in Thibodaux and Bogalusa would produce up to 200 megawatts of power each. Published: Nov. 9, 2021 at 3:01 PM PST. . Information on the projects was contained in documents seeking state economic incentives through the Industrial Tax Exemption Program for manufacturers, which could mean an 80% property tax abatement for up to 10 years on the projects if approved by the school boards, sheriffs and councils in those parishes. John Bel Edwards. Recurrent Energy has completed more than 70 projects since 2006, with customers such as Google, GE Energy, Duke Energy and Dominion Energy. Your email address will not be published. If all of them are built, the statewide total 1,908 megawatts is enough to power 190,800 homes, or a midsized city, based on estimates of 100 homes for each megawatt in a formulation used for Louisiana by the Solar Energy Industries Association.. Solar developers seem unfazed by the prospect of any hurdles and continue to be bullish on the future potential while rural parish economic development officials look forward to flipping agricultural land into industrial taxes.. In June, a new proposal process began and Entergy expects to start negotiations soon with companies interested in building three additional solar farms in West Baton Rouge, East Feliciana and Morehouse parishes, if power purchase contracts are awarded. Investors have embraced and by customer demand, he said 300 people will be needed during the peak of... Important solar markets worldwide Louisiana farmers already have complained that they can not compete with the Energy... 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