Origis Energy and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) announced that the Golden Triangle II solar + storage project in Mississippi is now complete. The 150-MW_AC solar and 50-MW battery storage project began generating carbon-free electricity on May 21, 2024.

“Solar energy enhances Mississippi’s economic competitiveness, and Origis is removing limits to a cleaner, brighter future by building the region’s clean-energy infrastructure,” said Johan Vanhee, Chief Commercial and Procurement Officer for Origis. “Golden Triangle II is the first step in fostering a zero-carbon economy across the state that supports our nation’s economic and energy security goals.”

The Magnolia State is home to two other Origis renewable energy projects – Golden Triangle I, in Lowndes County, a 200-MW_AC project with 50 MW of battery storage and Optimist, in Clay County, a 200-MW_AC project with 50 MW of battery storage. This is the largest battery storage portfolio under construction in the state. When completed in 2025, Origis’ Mississippi clean-energy complex will have a total capacity of 550 MW plus 150 MW of battery storage.

“As a national clean energy leader, TVA is on the forefront to drive carbon reduction across all sectors of the economy and provide the clean power needed to fuel our region’s growth,” said Amy Tate, TVA Southeast Region Executive. “Together, with partners like Origis, TVA is developing carbon-free energy solutions that create jobs and investment in the communities we serve.”

Origis Energy developed, constructed and will operate the three 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 and sustainability goals of some of its large industrial customers, through its Green Invest program, including Meta. Golden Triangle II will support Meta’s operations in the TVA area as part of the more than 1,000 MW_AC capacity Meta has partnered with TVA on.

“Partnering with TVA on the Green Invest program has made it possible for our operations in the Tennessee Valley to be supported by new solar energy constructed in the region,” said Urvi Parekh, Head of Renewable Energy at Meta. “This solar farm is Meta’s first renewable energy project in Mississippi, and we’re excited to see it come online.”

RES is providing construction services to Origis for the portfolio, employing an estimated 500 people over the course of the three projects. Upon completion of the plants, Origis Energy Services will operate and maintain the portfolio, employing approximately 9 on-site jobs over the 35+ project life years. The utility-scale battery storage for each site is provided by Prevalon Energy, a rebranding of Mitsubishi Power Americas battery energy storage business.

“RES is proud to be part of the team supporting Origis and TVA on Golden Triangle II and the rest of the portfolio to bring reliable clean energy to TVA customers,” said AJ Jain, Chief Operating Officer at RES. “Alongside local contractors, our team of nearly 500 worked more than a million hours without a lost-time accident. Congratulations to the entire team!”

News item from Origis