Entergy Louisiana has made the largest renewable power expansion request in state history. On 13 March the company filed a request with its regulator, the Louisiana Public Service Commission, for approval to add an additional 3GW of solar power to its generation portfolio. This is on top of the nearly 225 MW of solar power the company requested earlier this month.
Collectively, 3225 MW of solar power are in the approval queue for potential construction, development and placement on the grid through agreements with Entergy Louisiana, a major step forward in meeting the sustainability needs of its current and future customers.
“Like never before, our state has opportunity to retain businesses, support expansion projects and attract new companies on a global scale, but it’s going to take meeting their operational and sustainability needs,” commented Phillip May, Entergy Louisiana president and CEO. “Our latest request for up to three gigawatts of renewable power … shows we’re serious about not only protecting the environment by reducing our carbon footprint, but also continuing to be a major driver of economic development. This is not only a net-positive for our company and industries, but for the future of our state.
The individual resources that make up the 3 GW proposal would be constructed in Louisiana. In addition, further diversifying the company’s generation portfolio should help protect all customers from the volatility of natural gas prices and other factors outside Entergy’s control.
Currently, Entergy Louisiana has approximately 280 MW of renewable resources. Including nuclear generation, nearly 25% of the company’s portfolio comes from carbon-free resources.
These solar additions in Louisiana are consistent with Entergy Corporation’s plans for 15 to 17 GW of renewable resources by the end of 2031. The company previously announced a commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
