Entergy New Orleans is moving forward on a portfolio of proposals that will add 90 megawatts of solar energy to its energy mix.
The company has narrowed the group down to three viable projects, which were approved by the New Orleans City Council last month. These are a 20 megawatt solar facility on approximately 100 acres of flood-protected property at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans East, a 50 megawatt power purchase agreement from a solar facility to be constructed on LSU AgCenter land in Washington Parish, and a 20 megawatt power purchase agreement from a solar facility to be constructed on land in St. James Parish.
“We care about our environment and our community,” said Entergy New Orleans President and CEO David Elli said in making the announcement. “In this effort, we’ve found the right balance between environmental responsibility and affordability, something that is important in any decision we make as we keep the needs of all our customers in mind.”
Entergy has committed to maintaining carbon emissions below year-2000 levels and was the first U.S. utility to voluntarily limit CO2 emissions. In April, Entergy announced a new climate objective by 2030 of emitting 50% less carbon dioxide for every unit of electricity than it did in 2000.
LSU Vice President for Agriculture Bill Richardson says a solar farm on its property will provide opportunities for research and educational and community outreach into renewable energy, sustainability and related fields. “This partnership will not compromise the function of the solar farm,” he says, “but add value to it.”
Entergy New Orleans is an electric and gas utility that serves Orleans Parish. The company provides electricity to more than 200,000 customers and natural gas to more than 106,000 customers. The company is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation.
