Origis Energy and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) have started work on the first of three solar + storage projects named Golden Triangle in Mississippi. The projects total 550 MW with 150 MW of battery storage. This is Mississippi’s largest announced battery storage portfolio, as well as the state’s largest solar portfolio under development.
Golden Triangle II, a 150-MWAC project with a 50-MW battery storage capacity, is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2024. Further, Golden Triangle I, a 200-MWac project with 50 MW of battery storage. The project is scheduled to be finished in the summer of 2024. Lowndes County is home to the Golden Triangle projects. Optimist, a 200-MWac project with 50 MW of battery storage in Clay County, is expected to be completed in mid-2025.
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Origis Energy conceived, is constructing, and will operate the three projects. Under power purchase agreements signed by TVA and Origis, each will provide sustainable energy. TVA will then utilise the electricity to help some of its major industrial clients, as well as Mississippi homes, reach their sustainability goals.
“TVA is a clean energy pioneer, and we’re collaborating with partners like Origis to add solar power to our system to meet customer demand,” said Jeremy Fisher, TVA’s SVP commercial energy solutions. “Projects like these, ensure we can continue to provide affordable, reliable, resilient and sustainable energy to fuel the region’s economic growth.”
How much the Origis Energy Golden Triangle projects will generate
The three projects are expected to generate $106 million in short term construction and job gains in the area. The solar plants are expected to generate additional $145 million in regional economic benefits during their lifetime.
RES is providing construction services to Origis for the portfolio, employing an estimated 300 individuals across the three projects. Origis Energy Services will run and maintain the portfolio when the plants are completed. They will employ nine on-site workers for the project’s 35 plus year lifespan. Mitsubishi Power Americas provides utility-scale battery storage for each location. At the three locations, around 1.5 million solar panel modules will be placed, enough to power an estimated 126,000 households.
