Recurrent Energy, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar Inc., has completed commissioning of Bayou Galion Solar, a 127-megawatt-peak (MWp) solar park located in Morehouse Parish, northeastern Louisiana. The project, operational since November 2024, represents a $160 mn investment and marks the company’s first entry into the Louisiana energy market.
This development comes amid rapid growth in solar investment in Louisiana, where total volume surpassed $2 bn by the end of 2024. Rising electricity demand, notably driven by data centres and manufacturing activity, has increased the attractiveness of large-scale solar projects. Bayou Galion is designed to supply power to approximately 20,500 households annually and will contribute new tax revenue to local authorities.
Regional footprint and economic backing
An official ribbon-cutting event gathered local institutional and economic representatives. Dorothy Ford, Executive Director of the Bastrop-Morehouse Chamber of Commerce, highlighted that projects like Bayou Galion support employment and strengthen community tax bases. Kay King, Chief Executive Officer of the Morehouse Economic Development Corporation, noted the positive impact on landowners and the diversification of the region’s energy supply.
Bayou Galion forms part of a broader effort to modernise the state’s energy infrastructure. Jeffrey Clark, President of the Advanced Power Alliance, stated that the project would help deliver more affordable energy across Louisiana while enhancing the resilience of the power grid.
Recurrent Energy’s expansion strategy
Ismael Guerrero, Chief Executive Officer of Recurrent Energy, stated that this project represents a strategic milestone for the company in the southern United States. He said the successful implementation in Louisiana confirms Recurrent Energy’s ability to meet economic and technical expectations across local territories. As part of the launch, the company also announced support for a local arts group, the Cotton Country Players, furthering its engagement with the local community.
The project underscores the rise in private investment in Louisiana’s energy infrastructure, at a time when industrial and digital needs are driving diversification in regional power sources.
