EDP Renewables enters Mississippi market with 210-MW solar project

EDP Renewables 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.

Located in the northwest corner of the county, Pearl River has an installed capacity of 210 MW, producing enough power to meet the energy needs of more than 27,000 average Mississippi homes. The project is comprised of 400,000 monofacial and bifacial tracking photovoltaic panels contributing clean, cost-competitive power 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, contributing to the economic development of the region. Furthermore, the EDPR NA team continues to demonstrate their commitment to fostering high-impact community relationships,” said Brent Bailey, former Mississippi Public Service Commissioner.

Pearl River will provide more than $50 million in tax payments to local governments throughout its operating life, benefiting schools, healthcare 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 environmental-focused initiatives. According to market data from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the project is the largest solar park to date in Mississippi.

Pearl River’s development team has participated in the Pearl River Clean Sweep for two years, supporting the annual clean-up of the Pearl River watershed. This past year, they helped remove approximately 400 pounds of trash collected from the river in a bid to help revitalize Mississippi’s natural landscape. In February, the Pearl River team participated in an interactive career fair for fifth-graders from Highland Elementary in Ridgeland, meeting with more than 200 students to discuss careers in renewables.

“We are thrilled to finally see Pearl River begin operations. Solar power is a win-win in Mississippi, as it accelerates the deployment of clean energy to the grid and contributes to the state’s decarbonization objectives. The project will immediately go to work to provide Mississippi with a readily available clean energy resource,” said Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO of EDPR NA.

Pearl River establishes EDPR NA’s relationship with Mississippi communities and deepens its ties with the state. A second project under development, Ragsdale Solar Park in Canton, will provide over $36 million to local governments and $15 million to landowners over the course of its lifespan once it becomes operational. Ragsdale will generate 100 MW of energy, equivalent to the consumption of 15,000 average Mississippi homes. It created over 100 construction jobs and will create three permanent jobs once operational.

News item from EDP Renewables