385 MW Of Solar Power To Be Developed In Louisiana Project – CleanTechnica

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Treaty Oak Clean Energy recently announced it entered into agreements with the technology company Meta for two utility-scale solar projects totaling 385 MW in Louisiana. The solar projects are backed by power purchase agreements with Meta.

Chris Elrod, the Co-Founder and CEO of Treaty Oak Clean Energy, answered some questions for CleanTechnica. (Treaty Oak is a developer and operator of utility-scale solar and battery storage projects.)

When will the two solar power farms be up and running? 

Both projects — Beekman Solar in Morehouse Parish (185 MWac) and Hollis Creek Solar in Sabine Parish (200 MWac) — are expected to begin commercial operations before the end of H1 2027.

How many jobs will be created during installation and how many to operate them after installation?

Together, the two projects are expected to generate around 300 jobs at peak construction and up to 10 permanent positions over their 40-year lifespans.

How will the solar power farms be connected to the grid?

Energy generated from the projects will flow to the local grid within MISO’s Southern footprint, supporting reliable, clean power for Louisiana communities. Technical interconnection details are not provided in the release.

What will the clean electricity be used for?

Beekman Solar and Hollis Creek Solar will bring a combined 385 MWac of new, clean energy to the grid, while Meta will purchase the power and the environmental attributes from both projects to help meet its sustainability goals.

Will all the solar panels be ground-mounted?

Yes, combined 385 MWac of ground-mounted panels.

On what kind of land will the solar panels be installed? 

The solar panels will be installed on low-productivity timberland that is not producing tax base for the community. We’ve intentionally avoided prime farmland to preserve agricultural value and ensure responsible land use.

What is the total project cost?

At this time, we’re not able to disclose the total project cost for either project.

How cost-competitive is this new solar power compared with other forms of electricity right now?

Large-scale solar continues to be one of the most cost-effective sources of new electricity generation. Studies show it can deliver power at a lower cost per unit than many traditional energy sources, while also supporting long-term sustainability goals.