Origis Energy and the Tennessee Valley Authority recently announced that construction has begun on the first of three projects in Mississippi with a total capacity of 550 megawatts plus 150 MW of battery storage.
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 50 MW battery storage, is expected to be complete in spring 2024. Golden Triangle I, a 200 MWac project with 50 MW of battery storage, is expected to be completed in summer 2024. The Golden Triangle projects are located in Lowndes County.
Optimist, a 200 MWac project with 50 MW of battery storage located in Clay County, has a projected completion date in mid-2025.
The three projects were developed, are being constructed and will be operated by Origis Energy. Each will deliver energy at competitive rates under power purchase agreements executed between TVA and Origis. TVA will then use the power to help meet the sustainability goals of some of its large industrial customers, along with residents in Mississippi.
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. The utility-scale battery storage for each site is provided by Mitsubishi Power Americas.
