RWE has completed construction of its first project in Louisiana: the 100-MW Lafitte Solar plant, located in Ouachita Parish near Monroe. The facility, expected to be fully operational by the end of the year, will supply reliable and affordable electricity to the state’s grid. The project was made possible through a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Meta, which will receive all associated environmental benefits, including renewable energy certificates (RECs).

The project milestone was celebrated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis, local officials from the Ouachita Parish Police Jury and the Ouachita Parish Industrial Development Board, RWE leadership and employees, and partner company McCarthy Building Companies.

Andrew Flanagan, CEO of RWE Clean Energy, emphasized the project’s significance for the region. “Lafitte Solar is the first project of RWE in Louisiana and will provide low-cost local energy to the state’s electric grid, generating enough electricity to power 17,000 local homes and businesses. By delivering affordable and reliable electricity, we strengthen Monroe’s power supply while supporting the community’s growth and resilience,” he said.

Local economic impact

Lafitte Solar is expected to generate approximately $32 million in regional tax revenue over its lifetime, supporting public schools, law enforcement, and emergency services. Construction, carried out in partnership with McCarthy as EPC contractor, created more than 150 full-time jobs during peak activity. Workers also contributed to the local economy by supporting businesses, restaurants, and retailers throughout the project’s development.

Joe Holyfield, president of the Ouachita Parish Industrial Development Board, highlighted the regional benefits. “Lafitte Solar brought jobs and investment to Ouachita Parish at a crucial moment. Our local businesses saw immediate benefits, and we expect sustained growth as energy projects like this strengthen our region’s future,” he said.

Meta celebrated the project’s progress as a key milestone for its renewable energy goals. “Projects like Lafitte Solar are essential to achieving our clean energy objectives while strengthening local communities,” said Amanda Yang, Director of Clean and Renewable Energy at Meta.

RWE and McCarthy have also supported local families and schools, donating supplies to Roy Neal Shelling, Sr. Elementary School, distributing holiday toys, and contributing to the construction of a new playground at Tanglewood Community Park. Both companies also provided one of the largest holiday food donations ever received by the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana.

Supporting sustainable land use

The Lafitte Solar site incorporates native vegetation to enhance biodiversity and preserve habitats across the project area and neighboring farmland. The project will also implement agrivoltaic practices, using a flock of more than 600 sheep to maintain vegetation. This approach supports local agriculture and demonstrates how renewable energy infrastructure can coexist with and benefit farming communities.