RWE said on Thursday it has finished construction of its first project in Louisiana, the 100-megawatt Lafitte Solar facility in Ouachita Parish, and expects it to be fully operational by the end of the year.
The project is backed by a long-term power purchase agreement with Meta, which will receive all environmental benefits associated with the output, including renewable energy certificates (RECs), the company said.
RWE marked the completion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis, local officials, company executives, employees and construction partner McCarthy Building Companies.
Andrew Flanagan, an RWE executive, said the project will contribute to the region’s power supply and economic growth. “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,” he said. “By providing affordable and reliable electricity, we are strengthening Monroe’s power supply while supporting the community’s growth and resilience.”
The company said the project is expected to generate about $32 million in regional tax revenue over its lifetime. Construction supported more than 150 full-time jobs at its peak and produced additional local economic activity through worker spending.
Joe Holyfield, a local representative, said the project delivered a timely boost. “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,” he said.
Amanda Yang, commenting on the broader impact, 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.”
RWE said it is continuing community support initiatives alongside McCarthy, including funding a new playground at Tanglewood Community Park and providing major holiday food donations for Monroe families.
The company added that the site incorporates natural and native vegetation to promote biodiversity and will use agrivoltaic practices, deploying a flock of more than 600 sheep to maintain vegetation while supporting regional farmers.
