Cleco Power and D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI), a renewable energy producer, announced a long-term renewable energy agreement.
The Dolet Hills solar project includes a 240 MWac facility to be constructed at the recently retired Dolet Hills lignite-fired power plant in DeSoto Parish, Louisiana.
The Dolet Hills solar project follows the company’s recent announcement of Project Diamond Vault, a major economic development and decarbonization initiative to build a carbon capture facility at its central Louisiana Brame Energy Center.
“This project continues our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint while affordably and reliably serving our customers,” said Bill Fontenot, President and CEO of Cleco Corporate Holdings.
Dolet Hills solar facilities in Louisiana will represent more than $250 million invested towards powering approximately 45,000 homes. While Dolet Hills Solar is the first power purchase agreement between the companies, DESRI’s portfolio in Louisiana will now total nearly 700 MWac in construction and contracted clean power projects.
The Dolet Hills Solar Project is expected to deliver significant community benefits, including the creation of local construction jobs and tax revenue for the Parish.