Entergy Louisiana has officially inaugurated its new Sterlington Solar Facility in Ouachita Parish, marking a major step toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future in a community deeply connected to the company’s roots.
Honoring a Legacy While Advancing Forward
The new solar site sits next to the former Sterlington Station, the historic power plant that began operating in November 1925.
In its early years, Sterlington Station earned the nickname “mighty power giant” — and for good reason. The plant launched with two turbogenerators producing roughly 25 MW and quickly grew into one of the South’s largest power facilities by the end of the 1920s. Founder Harvey Couch strategically selected the location for its plentiful natural gas, access to the Ouachita River, and its proximity to a rapidly developing agricultural and industrial hub.
Supporting the plant’s workforce, a full company town emerged, complete with housing for about 50 families, a school, a church, and a boarding house for single workers. For decades, Sterlington Station played a key role in northern Louisiana’s economic growth. Now, nearly 100 years later, Entergy is turning the page by investing in renewable energy on the same historic site.
“Celebrating this new solar facility where our story began a century ago is incredibly significant,” said Phillip May, president and CEO of Entergy Louisiana. “It reflects the tremendous progress we’ve made — from the power of Sterlington Station to the clean energy promise of solar. This is more than an energy project; it’s an investment in Louisiana’s future.”
Todd Edsall, president of Power Providers for Black & Veatch, added: “The Sterlington Solar Facility is a powerful statement of progress — honoring the heritage of Sterlington Station while supporting a cleaner, stronger future for Ouachita Parish and the entire state. Our team’s commitment to safety and quality can be seen in the thousands of incident-free work hours put into this project. Beyond delivering renewable energy, this facility supports local jobs, economic development, and environmental responsibility. Working with Entergy and community partners, we’re helping ensure the Sterlington legacy continues to benefit Louisiana for generations.”
A Clean-Energy Commitment to the Community
Approved by the Louisiana Public Service Commission as part of a broader renewable energy expansion, the 49-MW Sterlington Solar Facility is one of several projects — totaling about 225 MW — advancing Entergy Louisiana’s growing clean energy portfolio.
This milestone is not only symbolic; it demonstrates Entergy’s ongoing pledge to modernize its energy resources, reduce emissions, and invest in the future of northern Louisiana.
“This facility represents our long-term dedication to updating our energy mix, cutting carbon emissions, and supporting economic growth in Ouachita Parish and beyond,” May said. “It honors our past while shaping the future.”
Economic and Environmental Advantages
Local jobs and economic activity: Construction and ongoing operations contribute directly to the regional economy. Cleaner power generation: As a zero-emission resource, the solar facility reduces dependence on fossil fuels and supports Entergy’s environmental goals. Community involvement: The project is included in Entergy Louisiana’s “Geaux Green” (Rider GGO) program, giving customers the option to participate in renewable energy initiatives. Grid reliability: Expanding and diversifying energy sources strengthens long-term power reliability and resilience. Honoring a Legacy While Advancing Forward
The new solar site sits next to the former Sterlington Station, the historic power plant that began operating in November 1925.
In its early years, Sterlington Station earned the nickname “mighty power giant” — and for good reason. The plant launched with two turbogenerators producing roughly 25 MW and quickly grew into one of the South’s largest power facilities by the end of the 1920s. Founder Harvey Couch strategically selected the location for its plentiful natural gas, access to the Ouachita River, and its proximity to a rapidly developing agricultural and industrial hub.
Supporting the plant’s workforce, a full company town emerged, complete with housing for about 50 families, a school, a church, and a boarding house for single workers. For decades, Sterlington Station played a key role in northern Louisiana’s economic growth. Now, nearly 100 years later, Entergy is turning the page by investing in renewable energy on the same historic site.
“Celebrating this new solar facility where our story began a century ago is incredibly significant,” said Phillip May, president and CEO of Entergy Louisiana. “It reflects the tremendous progress we’ve made — from the power of Sterlington Station to the clean energy promise of solar. This is more than an energy project; it’s an investment in Louisiana’s future.”
Todd Edsall, president of Power Providers for Black & Veatch, added: “The Sterlington Solar Facility is a powerful statement of progress — honoring the heritage of Sterlington Station while supporting a cleaner, stronger future for Ouachita Parish and the entire state. Our team’s commitment to safety and quality can be seen in the thousands of incident-free work hours put into this project. Beyond delivering renewable energy, this facility supports local jobs, economic development, and environmental responsibility. Working with Entergy and community partners, we’re helping ensure the Sterlington legacy continues to benefit Louisiana for generations.”
A Clean-Energy Commitment to the Community
Approved by the Louisiana Public Service Commission as part of a broader renewable energy expansion, the 49-MW Sterlington Solar Facility is one of several projects — totaling about 225 MW — advancing Entergy Louisiana’s growing clean energy portfolio.
This milestone is not only symbolic; it demonstrates Entergy’s ongoing pledge to modernize its energy resources, reduce emissions, and invest in the future of northern Louisiana.
“This facility represents our long-term dedication to updating our energy mix, cutting carbon emissions, and supporting economic growth in Ouachita Parish and beyond,” May said. “It honors our past while shaping the future.”
Economic and Environmental Advantages
A Renewed Legacy
From Harvey Couch’s original vision to bring affordable electricity to a growing region, to today’s forward-looking solar investment, Sterlington remains central to Entergy’s mission. The ribbon-cutting marks a celebration of history, advancement, and a collective commitment to a cleaner, brighter future.
From Harvey Couch’s original vision to bring affordable electricity to a growing region, to today’s forward-looking solar investment, Sterlington remains central to Entergy’s mission. The ribbon-cutting marks a celebration of history, advancement, and a collective commitment to a cleaner, brighter future.