Clean Energy

Future-Focused, Clean Energy Initiatives

• Laying the Foundation with Grid Resiliency & Reliability

  Cleco is leading the transformation of Louisiana’s energy infrastructure—building a resilient, reliable power grid designed to meet the demands of next-generation technology. With seven power-ready sites spanning over 3,000 acres, Cleco provides the critical energy foundation needed to support data centers, cybersecurity firms, innovation hubs, and high-performance computing operations.

  Cleco’s modern grid delivers consistent, low-cost power with the reliability required by today’s most power-intensive industries. Strategically located near key infrastructure, these sites offer unmatched advantages for companies looking to scale in a secure, high-performance environment.

  This energy transformation is accelerating growth across Louisiana’s technology sector, which contributes nearly $6 billion to the state’s economy. With top-performing tech talent fueled by leading colleges and universities, and backed by industry-aligned training programs, Louisiana is primed to meet the workforce needs of tomorrow. Combined with targeted incentives and Cleco’s dependable power delivery, the state offers a powerful proposition for technology-driven investment and innovation.

   

• Cleco Alternative Energy Center

  As a private-public partnership, the Cleco Alternative Energy Center at University of Louisiana at Lafayette in Crowley, Louisiana is a model for companies seeking commercialization of technologies. The center opened in 2010 and has since conducted many research activities including biomass gasification, torrefaction and digestion.

  Learn More About the Center

• Green Tariff Offering

  Cleco assists customers in achieving their clean or renewable energy goals by reducing Scope II CO2 emissions by 1.5-1.7 tonnes/MWh and by promoting local community development through the expansion of low-cost renewable assets. The Cleco team provides options for clean energy solutions to customers based on their current energy consumption, thereby streamlining and mitigating risks associated with investments in renewable energy procurement.

  Commercial, industrial and residential clients within the Cleco service area will soon gain reliable access to renewable energy through GO Cleco – a subscription-based program offering up to 240 megawatts of renewable energy. Commencing in 2027, GO Cleco will enable customers to subscribe for up to 100% of their annual energy usage from this program. Renewable Energy Credits are sourced from the Dolet Hills Facility, one of the largest solar facilities in Louisiana.

   

• Dolet Hills Solar Project

  Cleco’s Dolet Hills Solar Project, located within the north Louisiana region in DeSoto Parish, is part of a Cleco and D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments partnership to evaluate renewable investment options throughout Louisiana. The company’s solar energy project includes repurposing the Cleco Dolet Hills Power Station facility and portions of the property previously used to support the lignite mining operations in DeSoto Parish. 

  The long-term investment, available in 2026, offers an economic development boost to the region and across Cleco’s service areas by:

  • Providing a renewable energy source, given the strong demand from new and existing businesses 
  • Replacing a coal-powered power plant to use solar energy as a power source
  • Providing optionality to existing or new Louisiana companies aiming to reach clean or renewable energy goals
  • Bringing new investments into the state
  • Adding economic diversification in a rural area
  • Growing the tax base in a rural area
  • Offering clean energy solutions that match the demands of today’s business environment

  Read more about the Solar Hills Project

• St. Mary Clean Energy Center

  Within St. Mary Clean Energy Center, a power plant that can produce up to 50 MW of electricity and power 17,000 homes a year, Cleco can produce energy with zero associated emissions.

  • The power plant launched in partnership with Cabot Corporation and began operations in August 2019.
  • Power from the plant is generated via waste heat recovered from Cabot’s carbon black manufacturing process.
  • Waste heat is captured and utilized by Cleco to produce steam.
  • The steam drives a turbine generator to produce electricity without increasing emissions, including carbon dioxide.

• Gas Compression

  New and existing compression stations are addressed through this focus area through new installation builds and the replacement of existing installations with newer, more efficient models that feature electric motors, respectively. The project will support potentially lower cost of operations and reduced CO2 footprints and is expected to experience full transition by 2030.