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, construct and operate Hope Solar + Storage, a 200-MWAC solar + 200-MW (800 MWh) storage facility, in Clay County, Mississippi, 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 VP strategy and commercial officer for 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%. The Origis clean-energy complex would help the region attract and retain jobs. Estimated economic benefits from the complex include $182 million in near-term construction and hiring gains to the area and provide another approximate $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 for Origis Energy. “Industrial customers benefit by meeting their decarbonization goals. Residential customers benefit from clean energy that contributes to reliable, affordable, predictable rates. Communities near these projects benefit through the economic activity of construction and job growth from industries these projects attract.”
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 clean 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 Green Invest program.
News item from Origis Energy