Another Origis Energy project.
Origis Energy and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) have announced a power purchase agreement to expand their solar and storage portfolio in Mississippi. Origis would develop, build and operate Hope Solar + Storage, a 200 MWAC solar + storage facility of 200 MW (800 MWh) in Clay County, Mississippi, and sell the power to TVA to help fuel some of the fastest growth in the country – both in terms of population and economic development. Commercial operation of Hope is scheduled to begin in late 2028, pending completion of all required environmental and development permits and approvals.
“TVA is a leader in clean energy and we take seriously our mission of environmental stewardship to increase the amount of affordable, reliable, renewable energy in our portfolio,” said Jeremy Fisher, senior VP of strategy and commercial officer for TVA Commercial Energy Solutions. “This project is an example of American-led energy innovation that creates opportunity, delivers economic benefits to communities and our customers while improving our nation’s energy security.”
TVA reports that the region’s population is growing three times faster than the national average and that the region’s GDP grew 3% in 2023, versus the national average of 2.5%. The Origis clean energy complex would help the region attract and retain jobs. The complex’s estimated economic benefits include $182 million in construction and rental gains for the area in the short term and will deliver an additional approximately $7.2 million in estimated regional economic benefits over the life of the facility.
“This partnership connects us to those we serve and is good news for multiple stakeholders,” said Johan Vanhee, Chief Commercial and Procurement Officer of Origis Energy. “Industrial customers benefit from meeting their decarbonization targets. Residential customers benefit from clean energy that contributes to reliable, affordable and predictable rates. Communities near these projects benefit from the economic activity of construction and job growth from the industries these projects attract.”
Before this announcement, Origis and TVA’s renewable energy portfolio in Mississippi included three projects. Earlier this year, Golden Triangle II reached commercial operation, with a capacity of 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, with a capacity of 200 MWACproject with 50 MW of battery storage, with commercial operation date expected in 2025 and Optimist in neighboring Clay County, a 200 MWACproject with 50 MW of battery storage, with a commercial operation date expected in early 2026.
Origis Energy is responsible for the development, construction and operation of the projects for TVA. Each location will provide clean energy at competitive rates under Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) executed between TVA and Origis. TVA will use the power to help meet energy demands, improve reliability and also meet the sustainability goals of some of its major industrial customers, through its Green Invest program.
News item from Origis Energy