Meta-Supported 100MW Lafitte Solar Plant in Louisiana Finishes Construction

German energy giant RWE has announced the completion of its first Louisiana-based renewable energy project-the 100-megawatt (MW) Lafitte Solar Power Plant in Washita County-with full grid connection slated for before the end of the year. The milestone follows a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Meta, which secures the tech giant's exclusive rights to all environmental benefits from the project, including renewable energy certificates (RECs).​

A ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the project's completion was held on November 13, attended by key stakeholders including Monroe Mayor Freddie Ellis, officials from the Washita Parish Police Jury and Washita Parish Industrial Development Commission, RWE leadership and employees, and construction partner McCarthy Building Companies.​

Project Highlights: Jobs, Economy & Community Impact​

Developed in collaboration with EPC contractor McCarthy Building Companies, the Lafitte Solar Project created over 150 full-time jobs during its peak construction phase. Beyond employment, the project delivered tangible local economic benefits: construction workers patronized local businesses, restaurants, and shops, injecting vitality into the regional economy.​

"The Lafitte Solar Project is a win-win for clean energy and community prosperity," said Amanda Yang, Meta's Head of Clean and Renewable Energy. "It not only adds reliable green power to the local grid but also strengthens the community through jobs and economic activity. Projects like this are critical to advancing our clean energy goals while uplifting the places we operate in."​

Eco-Friendly Design: Biodiversity & Agrivoltaics Integration​

A standout feature of the Lafitte Solar Plant is its environmentally conscious site design, which incorporates native vegetation surrounding the project area to promote biodiversity and habitat conservation-benefiting both the facility and adjacent farmland. In a unique agrivoltaics initiative, the project will host over 600 sheep to naturally maintain vegetation growth on-site. This innovative approach not only protects local agricultural lands but also deepens partnerships with regional farmers, demonstrating how renewable energy development and agriculture can coexist harmoniously.​

Strategic Significance for RWE & Louisiana​

The Lafitte Solar Project marks RWE's first foray into Louisiana's burgeoning solar market, expanding the company's U.S. renewable portfolio-which includes solar, wind, and storage assets-into the Southern U.S. For Louisiana, the 100MW facility contributes to the state's growing clean energy capacity, aligning with broader regional goals to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy security.​

"Completing the Lafitte Solar Project is a proud moment for RWE as we expand our footprint in the U.S. and deliver on our commitment to sustainable energy," said an RWE spokesperson. "We're grateful for the support of local leaders, our partners at Meta and McCarthy, and the Washita County community-without whom this milestone wouldn't be possible. We look forward to powering thousands of homes with clean energy and continuing to collaborate with local stakeholders for long-term success."