Mississippi Power has announced a new solar PV project in partner with Silicon Ranch Corporation, local officials from the city of Hattiesburg, Forrest County, members of the Mississippi Public Service Commission and the Area Development Partnership. The PV project, which will have a capacity of 50MW, will mark the state’s largest solar farm.

"This is the second of three major solar projects that have been approved by the Public Service Commission," said Mississippi Power President and CEO Anthony L. Wilson. "The Pine Belt region is one of the hubs of economic development in the state and our investments in renewable energy here will contribute to future growth."

Aside from the 50MW Hattiesburg PV project, Mississippi Power will break ground on a 52MW utility-scale PV project in Sumrall with Origis Energy in May. In March, the company has teamed with the U.S. Navy and Hannah Solar for breaking ground on a 34MW PV project at the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport, Miss.

As for the 52MW project, Mississippi Power is committed to “having a well-balanced energy portfolio,” added Wilson. Mississippi Power will purchase electricity generated from the facility at cost-competitive rates over the next 25 years, and will receive all associated renewable energy credits.

Silicon Ranch will fund, own, and operate the project. It has selected Strata Solar as the project builder. The Hattiesburg PV project is scheduled to be completed by early 2017. During construction, the project will create approximately 400 jobs.

"The city of Hattiesburg is excited to partner with Silicon Ranch and Mississippi Power to bring abundant, clean energy to the local grid," said Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree. "This project diversifies our potential energy fuel offerings and further enhances our reputation as a high-tech community with a pro-business approach. We look forward to a long-standing partnership on this solar energy facility."