EDP Renewable Energy Sources North America (EDPR NA), a renewable energy developer and operator based in the United States, has inaugurated its Pearl River Solar Park in Scott County, Mississippi.
Credit: EDP Renewables North America
Located in the northwest corner of the county, Pearl River has an installed capacity of 210 MW and produces enough power to meet the energy needs of more than 27,000 average homes in Mississippi. The project consists of 400,000 monofacial and bifacial tracking photovoltaic panels that provide clean, cost-competitive energy to the state’s electric grid. It also marks EDPR NA’s official entry into Mississippi.
“Pearl River Solar Park is an important part of the state’s growing clean energy portfolio, and we are proud to have them in Scott County and contribute to the region’s economic development. Additionally, the EDPR NA team continues to demonstrate their commitment to advancing high-impact community relationships,” said Brent Bailey, former Mississippi Public Service Commissioner.
Pearl River will make more than $50 million in tax payments to local governments over its lifetime, benefiting schools, health care facilities, fire departments and other county services. Pearl River created hundreds of construction jobs and two permanent maintenance jobs.
In addition, Pearl River will continue to invest in the Scott County community through several environmentally focused initiatives. According to market data from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the project is the largest solar farm to date in Mississippi.
The Pearl River development team has participated in the Pearl River Clean Sweep for two years, supporting the annual cleanup of the Pearl River watershed. This past year, they helped remove approximately 400 pounds of trash from the river in an effort to revitalize Mississippi’s natural landscape. In February, the Pearl River team participated in an interactive career fair for fifth-graders at Highland Elementary in Ridgeland, where more than 200 students gathered to discuss careers in renewable energy sources.
“We are pleased to finally see Pearl River become operational. Solar energy is a win-win in Mississippi because it accelerates the deployment of clean energy to the grid and contributes to the state’s decarbonization goals. The project will begin work immediately to provide Mississippi with a readily available clean energy source,” said Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO of EDPR NA.
Pearl River establishes EDPR NA’s relationship with Mississippi communities and deepens ties with the state. A second project under development, Ragsdale Solar Park in Canton, will generate more than $36 million over its life to local governments and $15 million to landowners once it becomes operational. Ragsdale will generate 100 MW of energy, equivalent to the consumption of 15,000 average homes in Mississippi. It created more than 100 construction jobs and will create three permanent jobs once operational.
News item from EDP Renewables