Entergy Louisiana and D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) started commercial operations at Sunlight Road Solar, located in Washington Parish, Louisiana. The 50-MW solar facility in Franklinton, developed and built by DESRI, will supply power to Entergy Louisiana’s grid through a 20-year power purchase agreement.
Credit: D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments
With more than 100,000 photovoltaic panels, Sunlight Road Solar will generate enough electricity to power approximately 11,500 homes, helping meet Louisiana’s growing demand for renewable energy.
“With the addition of Sunlight Road Solar, we’re taking another step toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for our state,” said Phillip May, Entergy Louisiana president and CEO. “This milestone represents more than just adding solar power to our portfolio; it’s about providing affordable, reliable and clean energy to our customers. We’re excited about what this means for the future of power in Louisiana as we continue to meet the growing demand for renewables and work toward a net-zero future.”
Entergy Louisiana customers are expected to save approximately $22 million over the term of the Sunlight Road Solar power purchase agreement. The facility uses Nevados single-axis trackers, making the solar panels follow the sun throughout the day to maximize energy production.
”DESRI is thrilled to have developed and constructed another renewable energy project in partnership with Entergy to support its customers”, said Hy Martin, DESRI chief development officer. “We are grateful to Sunlight Road Solar’s many stakeholders including Washington Parish, Entergy, our landowners, project lenders, Nevados and Primoris Renewable Energy, and look forward to continuing investments in clean, cost-competitive energy that create opportunities across Louisiana and the broader Gulf Region.”
Sunlight Road Solar is the fourth solar resource Entergy Louisiana has added to its grid.
The company plans to bring the nearly 50-MW Sterlington Solar facility online sometime in 2026. The solar facility will be owned and operated by Entergy Louisiana and located next to the Sterlington Power Station, one of the company’s oldest power plants in north Louisiana. These milestones align with Entergy’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
News item from D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments