On Sept. 24, Origis Energy and the Tennessee Valley Authority announced a power purchase agreement to expand their solar and storage portfolio in Mississippi.
Origis would develop, construct and operate Hope Solar + Storage, a 200 MWac Solar + 200 MW (800 MWh) storage facility, in Clay County, Miss., and sell the power to TVA to help fuel some of the fastest growth in the nation — both in terms of population and economic development.
Hope is slated for commercial operation at the end of 2028, pending completion of all required environmental and developmental permits and approvals.
"TVA is a clean energy leader, and we take our mission of Environmental Stewardship seriously to increase the amount of affordable, reliable, renewable energy in our portfolio," said Jeremy Fisher, Senior Vice President Strategy & Commercial Officer, TVA Commercial Energy Solutions. "This project is an example of American-led energy innovation that creates avenues of opportunity, providing economic benefits to communities and our customers while enhancing our nation's energy security."
TVA reports that the region's population is growing three-times faster than the national average and that in 2023 the region's GDP grew at 3% versus the national average of 2.5%.
Prior to this announcement, Origis' and TVA's Mississippi renewable energy portfolio included three projects.
Earlier this year, Golden Triangle II reached commercial operation, a 150 MWac solar project with 50 MW battery storage in Lowndes County.
The two other projects currently under construction are Golden Triangle I, in Lowndes County, a 200 MWac project with 50 MW of battery storage, with commercial operation date expected in 2025 and Optimist in neighboring Clay County, a 200 MWac project with 50 MW of battery storage, with commercial operation date expected in early 2026.
Origis Energy is responsible for development, construction and operation of the projects for TVA.
Each site will deliver energy at competitive rates under Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) executed between TVA and Origis.
TVA will use the power to help meet the energy demand, improve reliability and also fulfill sustainability goals of some of its large industrial customers, through its industry-leading Green Invest program.
