The third largest renewable energy company in the U.S. is working with Meta to create a solar farm to power its Richland Parish data center.
Onsite construction is underway on RWE’s 100 megawatt alternating current Lafitte Solar project, with commissioning planned in late 2025. The clean power generated by RWE will contribute to Meta’s target of supporting its operations with 100% renewable energy. Meta is one of the largest corporate buyers of renewable energy.
“RWE’s continued investment in the U.S. renewables market is underpinned by new opportunities to partner with leading technology companies like Meta, which are driving demand for clean energy to support their operations,” Andrew Flanagan, CEO of RWE Clean Energy said in a press release.
RWE’s contracts with Meta underscore the company’s strategy to collaborate with leading technology companies on solutions to support the rising demand for clean energy.
RWE continues its commitment to supporting local communities by fostering economic growth and job creation through the construction, ownership and operation of renewables from coast to coast.
Lafitte Solar signals RWE’s expansion into land-based renewables in Louisiana, and is the company’s first utility-scale solar project to break ground in the state.
During construction, the project will support $3.2 million in wages and benefits, and $14.8 million in economic output in Ouachita Parish. In addition, the project will generate about $31 million in tax revenues for the region over the lifetime of the project. It is anticipated the project will create about 140 fulltime jobs during peak construction.
RWE is partnering with McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. to build the solar farm.
