98-MW Louisiana solar project will supply regional electric co-ops

The Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) has approved a power purchase agreement for the 132 MW_DC/98 MW_AC Bayou Galion solar project developed by Recurrent Energy and located in Morehouse Parish in Northeast Louisiana. The Bayou Galion solar project is expected to start construction and begin operation in 2024. Once in operation, the project is capable of powering more than 18,000 homes annually and offsetting the equivalent of 170 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year.

The Bayou Galion solar project is a part of 1803 Electric Cooperative’s (“1803 Electric Coop”) recently approved power generation portfolio to supply energy to five Louisiana rural electric cooperatives for the next 20 years. The approved portfolio includes 343 MW_AC of solar energy, including Recurrent’s Bayou Galion solar project, and will significantly increase the amount of solar energy capacity in the state. As of year-end 2021, Louisiana had approximately 200 MW of solar energy installed.

“Solar energy is the lowest cost new energy resource across the U.S. and we are pleased to support 1803 Electric Coop’s goals to bring lower rates for its members,” said Shawn Qu, chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar, the parent company of Recurrent Energy. “We look forward to continuing to advance the development of the Bayou Galion solar project and starting construction in 2024.”

1803 Electric Coop’s members serve approximately 120,000 members in Louisiana. ACES administered the selection process for the entire selected and approved power generation portfolio on behalf of 1803 Electric Coop.

“Being able to provide a reduction in future rates for our members is extraordinary. We are pleased to partner with Recurrent Energy, a well-respected solar and energy storage developer, and we look forward to bringing this project online.”

News item from Canadian Solar

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Original Source: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2022/05/louisiana-solar-project-will-supply-regional-electric-co-ops/