'Significant win' | Louisiana regulators approve Entergy's record 3GW solar expansion in state
The utility's buildout is the largest ever for renewable power in a state long associated with production and use of fossil fuels
Utility regulators in Louisiana have approved Entergy’s proposal to add up to 3GW of grid-scale solar capacity, another sign the US southern state closely identified with fossil fuels has begun the transition to cleaner power sources.
“This approval underscores our commitment to meeting operational and sustainability needs, driving economic development, and protecting the environment,” said Entergy CEO Phillip May. “It's a significant win for the future of our state.”
The expansion is the largest ever for renewable power in Louisiana and almost 10 times 352MW of solar capacity installed there as of 1 January. Solar provides less than one percent of the state’s electricity. Natural gas comprises 68%, nuclear 15%, coal 8%, and 9% a mix of carbon and clean technologies.
Louisiana ranks third among the states with the highest total electricity consumption on a per capita basis with industry consuming 42% of the total each year, then residential (33%), and commercial (25%).
It also has the highest residential sector per capita consumption among the 50 states, partly a reflection of a sub-tropical climate, but also that 70% of households rely on electricity for cooking and home heating.
“We anticipate the first request for proposals later this summer,” the company said in an email. It added the solicitation process will be competitive and all future projects will be in Louisiana where the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (Miso) operates the transmission system and a centrally dispatched market.
In Louisiana, Entergy serves 1.1 million electric customers and distributes natural gas in the capital of Baton Rouge. The state’s population was 4.7 million in 2020.
Entergy, which is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, has not made a cost estimate for its solar expansion publicly available.
The state also appears receptive to importing wind energy from Texas. Pattern Energy is developing a 320-mile (515 km), 525kV high voltage direct-current wind transmission line called Southern Spirit with 3GW carrying capacity. It will begin in Louisiana on the Texas border and extend to Mississippi to the east.
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