- Origis Energy and TVA will partner to develop the Hope Solar + Storage project in Clay County, Mississippi. The project, which will feature 200 MWac of solar capacity and 200 MW (800 MWh) of energy storage, is scheduled for late 2028.
- Throughout its operational lifetime, the project is expected to generate approximately $182 million in economic activity and create around $7.2 million in economic spin-offs.
- The initiative supports Clay County’s rapid growth by addressing rising energy demands, contributing to local job creation, and enhancing energy reliability through renewable resources.
Origis Energy and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) signed a power purchase agreement to develop the Hope Solar and Storage project in Clay County, Mississippi. This project combines 200 MWac of solar capacity with 200 MW (800 MWh) of energy storage. Pending necessary environmental and development approvals, the team plans to begin commercial operations in late 2028.
The energy produced will serve TVA and support the region’s growing energy needs. Clay County experiences rapid growth, with its population rising three times the national average. The regional GDP increased by 3% in 2023, surpassing the national average by 2.5%.
Estimates suggest the Hope Solar and Storage project will generate significant economic benefits. The construction and operation of the facility will yield about $182 million in economic activity. Additionally, the project will create approximately $7.2 million in economic spin-offs over its lifetime.
Jeremy Fisher, TVA’s Senior Vice President of Strategy and Commercial Officer, emphasised the project’s role in enhancing affordable and reliable renewable energy share. He stated that it will benefit local communities and strengthen national energy security.
Johan Vanhee, Chief Commercial and Procurement Officer at Origis Energy, noted that this partnership helps various stakeholders reach their decarbonisation goals. Before this agreement, TVA and Origis Energy collaborated on three other renewable energy projects in Mississippi.
Earlier this year, Golden Triangle II, a 150 MWac solar project with 50 MW of battery storage, started commercial operations in Lowndes County. Two additional projects currently under construction include Golden Triangle I, also in Lowndes County, which will feature a capacity of 200 MWac and 50 MW of storage and is expected to be commissioned in 2025. The Optimist project in Clay County will also feature 200 MWac and 50 MW of storage and is anticipated to come online in early 2026.
Origis Energy will develop, construct, and operate TVA projects. Each site will deliver energy at competitive rates through power purchase agreements. TVA aims to utilise this energy to meet rising demand and improve grid reliability. This effort will also support major industrial customers through TVA’s Green Invest program, which promotes investment in renewable energy.
The Hope Solar + Storage project highlights the importance of collaboration between public and private entities in the energy sector. TVA and Origis Energy helped Mississippi strengthen its energy infrastructure by joining forces and supporting the state’s demographic and industrial expansion.
The initiative represents a significant step toward meeting future energy needs while contributing to local economic growth. The project will enhance energy supply and foster the region’s job creation and economic activity.
As Clay County continues to grow, initiatives like the Hope Solar + Storage project prove essential. They provide reliable energy solutions and promote sustainable development. By investing in renewable energy, Mississippi can ensure a resilient energy future. This project demonstrates the potential of public-private partnerships in driving innovation and sustainability in the energy landscape.