Golden Triangle II, a 150 MWac solar project with 50 MW battery storage in Mississippi, has begun generating carbon-free electricity (courtesy: Origis Energy)

Origis Energy and Tennessee Valley Authority have announced the first of three solar plus storage projects in their Mississippi portfolio has reached commercial operation. Golden Triangle II, a 150 MWac solar project with 50 MW battery storage, began generating carbon-free electricity on May 21, 2024, per an Origis release.

“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 other two Origis undertakings in Mississippi are Golden Triangle I, in Lowndes County, a 200 MWac project with 50 MW of battery storage; and Optimist, in Clay County, a 200 MWac project with 50 MW of battery storage. According to the company, this represents the largest battery storage portfolio under construction in the state. Once completed in 2025, Origis expects its Mississippi portfolio to 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 says it 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 MWac capacity Meta has partnered with TVA on, per the companies.

“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.”

“Origis Energy and TVA’s announcement of the commercial operation of Golden Triangle II represents a significant milestone in our commitment to advancing clean energy solutions,” stated Tom Cornell, president and CEO of Prevalon Energy. “We are honored to be part of this project, enabling more renewable generation in TVA’s service territory. By generating carbon-free electricity, this project not only supports Mississippi’s economic competitiveness but also contributes to a cleaner, brighter future for the region. We are excited to be part of this endeavor and look forward to continuing to support sustainable energy initiatives with Origis and TVA.”