Origis Energy and TVA partner on solar+storage projects in Mississippi

Florida-headquartered utility Origis Energy and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) have started construction on the first of three projects in Mississippi with a total capacity of 550MW plus 150MW of battery storage.

According to a statement from Origis Energy, this is the largest battery storage portfolio announced in Mississippi and the largest solar portfolio under construction in the State.

Golden Triangle II, a 150 MWAC project with 50MW battery storage, is expected to be complete in spring 2024. Golden Triangle I, a 200MWAC project with 50MW of battery storage, is expected to be completed in summer 2024. The Golden Triangle projects are located in Lowndes County. Optimist, a 200MWAC project with 50MW of battery storage located in Clay County, has a projected completion date in mid-2025.

TVA and Origis have signed power purchase agreements allowing TVA to use the power to help meet the sustainability goals of some of its large industrial customers, along with residents in Mississippi.

“By helping companies meet their renewable goals, it becomes very attractive to locate or expand in Mississippi,” said Johan Vanhee, chief commercial and procurement officer of Origis Energy. “We are pleased to partner with the Tennessee Valley Authority to use sustainability as an economic development tool, and what’s good for the environment is also good for business.”

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Estimated economic benefits from the three projects include $106 million in near-term construction and hiring gains to the area. Over the life of the solar plants, they will provide another $145 million in estimated regional economic benefits.

RES is providing construction services to Origis for the portfolio, and utility-scale battery storage for each site is provided by Mitsubishi Power Americas.

Roughly 1.5 million solar panel modules will be installed at the three sites, enough to power an estimated 126,000 homes.

“Our office has worked continually with both TVA and Origis through all phases of this project. These investments provide a unique diversification to our tax base and upon completion provide additional tax revenue to the counties and the schools,” Joe Max Higgins, CEO of the Golden Triangle Development Link.

“As the momentum behind renewable energy projects continues to surge throughout the United States, the significance of battery energy storage as a linchpin for a sustainable energy future cannot be overstated. Our enthusiasm is palpable as we embark on the construction of these vital projects, aiming not only to enhance the efficiency and capacity of solar initiatives but also to bolster Origis and TVA in achieving their commendable sustainability objectives,” Tom Cornell, senior vice president of Energy Storage Solutions at Mitsubishi Power Americas.