Dive Brief:
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Entergy Louisiana is set to add up to 3 GW of new solar generation to its portfolio following a decision by the Louisiana Public Service Commission authorizing an expedited procurement process, according to a Wednesday announcement by the company. The ruling by the Louisiana PSC is not yet publicly available.
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The expansion would represent the largest of its kind in state history, according to Entergy Louisiana, which owns 230 MW of renewable energy resources.
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The expedited review process is necessary to procure new solar energy at the pace currently expected by Louisiana electric customers, especially energy-intensive industrial and manufacturing businesses, Entergy Louisiana said.
Dive Insight:
Entergy Louisiana is the latest utility gearing up for a massive expansion of its renewable energy portfolio in response to growing demand from industrial energy customers.
The commission's approval of an uncontested settlement agreement creating an expedited review procurement process for new solar projects was necessary to ensure the state remains economically competitive, Entergy Louisiana said in a filing at the Louisiana PSC.
“Given the carbon goals of global companies, access to renewables has become the new table stakes” in negotiations with companies looking to move to or expand in Louisiana, Brandon Scardigli, a spokesperson for Entergy Louisiana, said in an email. “Our customers want access to solar in Louisiana.”
Scardigli said the new solar will be used to supply power to customers seeking to subscribe to Entergy Louisiana’s green tariff offerings. With the expedited procurement process, which Scardigli said will include the use of a standardized contract reviewed by the Louisiana PSC, the company expects to cut the overall procurement timeline by about two years.
The company expects to build 6-12 new solar projects over the next few years, Scardigli said.
The company also made an economic case for the new solar projects in its Wednesday announcement following the settlement's approval, with Entergy Louisiana President and CEO Phillip May characterizing the commission's approval as a “significant win for the future of our state.”
Solar energy, is increasingly economic and will enable the state to attract and retain industries seeking clean energy as they expand, according to the company's release
Carbon-free energy resources currently comprise about 25% of Entergy Louisiana's generation portfolio, according to the company. Entergy Louisiana now has more than 3.8 GW of solar generation in various stages of development and approval.
