Mississippi Power and D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments, L.L.C. (DESRI) announced this week that the 52 MW solar generating facility near Sumrall – the largest solar power plant in the state of Mississippi – is operating and providing energy to the Mississippi Power grid.
The 52 MW facility features approximately 220,000 panels, is located on nearly 600 acres in Lamar County and can produce enough energy to supply power to approximately 8,000 homes.
“As we look to the future of energy, we are bringing innovative solutions to our customers,” Mississippi Power Environmental Affairs Director Mark Loughman said. “I would like to commend DESRI, the Mississippi Public Service Commission and all of our partners for their commitment to bringing this facility online in Lamar County.”
An official site dedication will be held at the facility on July 7.
“DESRI is thrilled to see this project reach completion,” said Bryan Martin, CEO of DESRI. “We appreciate the hard work of our partners at Mississippi Power and DEPCOM Power, as well as the support of our lenders and investors, in reaching this critical milestone. DESRI is committed to the continued growth of our renewable energy generation portfolio so we can provide more U.S. homes and businesses with clean energy.”
DEPCOM Power built the Sumrall facility which will deliver the electricity created to the Mississippi Power wholesale grid at or below the company’s avoided cost (the amount projected it would cost the company to generate comparable energy from other sources). The energy and renewable energy credits may be used to serve customers with renewable energy, for future renewable energy programs or to sell at wholesale to third parties.
“DEPCOM Power is proud to be part of Mississippi’s clean energy evolution and to deliver a high velocity, state-of-the-art solar plant for our customers. Thanks to the commitment of DESRI and Mississippi Power to this project, we have been able to provide corporate donations to deserving Lamar County community outreach programs and help generate more than 360 local jobs,” said Byron Lamon, DEPCOM Power project manager.
DEPCOM Power has also been contracted to provide operations and maintenance services for the solar plant.
In addition to the Sumrall facility, Mississippi Power and its partners are scheduled to open two more solar generating facilities in 2017 that will strengthen the company’s position as the largest partner in providing solar generation in the state of Mississippi.
A 3 MW solar facility at the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport will officially open in July. Mississippi Power is also partnering with Silicon Ranch on a 50 MW solar plant in Hattiesburg that is scheduled to open later this year.
