COLUMBUS, Miss.­­ – The Tennessee Valley Authority is asking the public to provide input on a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Golden Triangle Solar Project in Lowndes County. Details of the review are available in a draft Environmental Assessment at https://www.tva.com/nepa.

TVA has entered into a power purchase agreement with MS Solar 5 for the energy generated by the proposed Golden Triangle Solar Project. The project’s solar generating capacity is up to 200 megawatts and includes 50 megawatts of battery storage. MS Solar 5 would construct and operate the proposed solar facility. 

The draft EA includes two alternatives: a No Action Alternative and an Action Alternative.  Under the No Action Alternative, TVA would not purchase the power generated by the project under the 20-year PPA with MS Solar 5, and TVA would not be involved with the project.

Under the Action Alternative, MS Solar 5 would build and operate a 200-megawatt, single-axis tracking photovoltaic solar power facility with 50 megawatts of battery storage. MS Solar 5 would enter into long-term leases for approximately 3,565 acres of land in 28 individual parcels along the eastern town limits of Artesia and Mayhew, Mississippi. Five additional parcels with easements will be needed for supporting infrastructure. TVA will buy the entire 200-megawatt output from the solar facility under the terms of the PPA.

Comments on the draft EA should be submitted or postmarked no later than Jan. 22, 2021. Comments can be submitted by email to [email protected], or in writing to Tennessee Valley Authority, ATTN: Ashley Pilakowski, NEPA Specialist, 400 W Summit Hill Dr., WT 11-B, Knoxville, TN 37902.

Please note that all comments received, including names and addresses, will become part of the administrative record and available for public inspection.

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