Mississippi Power and Origis Energy inaugurates 52MW solar facility in Lamar County

Mississippi Power and Origis Energy, along with officials from the Area Development Partnership and Lamar County, held a groundbreaking ceremony for state’s largest solar facility.

The USD 100 million facility will generate 52MW electricity which can power approximately 8,000 homes, said the company in a statement.

Mississippi Power will receive all energy and associated renewable energy credits produced by the facility, which it may use to serve customers with solar energy or sell to third parties for the benefit of customers.

“This is an exciting day for all of Mississippi,” said Mississippi Power President and CEO Anthony L. Wilson. “By working with Origis Energy and the Area Development Partnership, we will have nearly doubled the amount of electricity generated by renewable energy going to the Mississippi Power grid.“

In April, Mississippi Power and Silicon Ranch Corporation broke ground on a 50 MW utility-scale solar project in Hattiesburg.

The Lamar County solar facility will be on 590 acres and will feature more than 215,000 polycrystalline solar panels. The project will create up to 100 jobs during construction.

The project is scheduled to be completed in first quarter of 2017 and will have a 25-year power purchase agreement with Mississippi Power. Throughout the PPA term, the energy generated from this project will provide power at a steady price and will not be subject to price variation seen with other fuel sources.

“This historic state solar facility is a clear indication of the commitment Mississippi Power, the state of Mississippi and Lamar County officials have to their customers, community and the Pine Belt region,” said Chief Executive Officer & President of Origis Energy Guy Vanderhaegen. “By working together, these utility and community leaders are creating regional jobs. Our Origis team is honored to be part of the solar revolution now happening in Mississippi.”

The Lamar County facility will not replace other Mississippi Power generating plants, but will have the capability to provide energy that will help diversify the company’s generation portfolio.