Entergy seeks to add up to 3 GW of solar energy in Louisiana for reliability, investment

Entergy Louisiana is eying solar energy expansion to increase the reliability of its power supply and provide an environmentally sound way to massively expand, having filed a request last week to add up to 3 GW of energy this way.

It would be the largest renewable power expansion request to date in the state if approved by the Louisiana Public Service Commission. Moreover, it is on top of nearly 225 MW of solar power Entergy already requested this month.

“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,” Phillip May, Entergy Louisiana president and CEO, said. “Our latest request for up to three gigawatts of renewable power, the largest such expansion request in state history, 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.

That economic development factor was woven throughout the proposal. It specifically stated that individual resources would be constructed in Louisiana to guarantee job creation and added tax revenues locally. If approved, the plans would also weave seamlessly into the plans of the Entergy Corporation – the parent company of Entergy Louisiana – to add between 15-17 GW of renewable resources to its portfolio by 2031 and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Currently, Entergy Louisiana hosts approximately 280 MW of renewable resources bringing power to its more than 1 million customers. Combined with the nuclear generation, these now represent nearly a quarter of its overall portfolio.