Mississippi Power files to increase its solar portfolio to more than 100 MW

GULFPORT, Miss. | NEWS RELEASE —
Mississippi Power is expanding its renewable generation portfolio with an agreement to team on another utility-scale solar electric generating farm, this time with solar provider Origis Energy.

The company, and Origis, are working to develop a 52 MW solar project on 485 acres in Sumrall, Miss. pending approval by the Mississippi Public Service Commission.

“Adding a third renewable project continues the company’s commitment to having a diverse generation portfolio to help keep rates affordable for our customers,” said President and CEO Ed Holland. “This cost-effective, utility-scale solar energy project once again places the company at the forefront of the state’s energy economy.”

Mississippi Power will receive all of the energy and associated renewable energy credits generated by these projects, which it may use to serve its customers with renewable energy, use for future renewable energy programs, or sell at wholesale to third parties.

“Origis is honored to team up with Mississippi Power on this utility-scale solar project,” said Origis Energy President Guy Vanderhaegen. “Our team has received great support with the development of this project, and we’re excited about its possibilities.”

This announcement comes on the heels of an April 23 agreement with two solar companies and the U.S. Navy to build utility-scale solar electric generating farms at two different locations in the company’s service territory. Combined at 105 MW, these projects would represent the largest solar installations in Mississippi.

Mississippi Power is partnering with Strata Solar on a 450-acre, 50 MW electric solar generating station to be located at Hattiesburg-Forrest County Industrial Park in Hattiesburg, and with the U.S. Navy and Hannah Solar on a 23-acre, 3-4 MW facility at the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport.

As an intermittent energy resource, the solar facilities will not replace Mississippi Power’s generating plants, but will have the capability to provide energy that will help diversify the company’s generation portfolio.

If approved by the Mississippi Public Service Commission, the projects could be in service near the end of 2016.