WEST POINT, Miss.­­ – The Tennessee Valley Authority values public input and is launching a process to hear from the community on a draft Environmental Assessment for a proposed solar project in Clay County. This project would add up to 200 megawatts of solar energy and 50-megawatts of battery storage to TVA’s growing renewables portfolio and further advances the agency’s efforts to create a clean, carbon-free energy future.

The Optimist Solar Project Environmental Assessment is available for a 30-day public review and comment period at www.tva.com/nepa.   

To promote job creation across the region and achieve its plans to add 10,000 megawatts of solar by 2035, TVA has entered into a power purchase agreement with MS Solar 7, LLC for the energy generated by the proposed Optimist Solar Project.

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 7, LLC, and TVA would not be involved with the project. Under the Proposed Action Alternative, MS Solar 7, LLC would construct and operate the solar farm on 1,540 acres of a 2,947-acre project site. TVA would use its West Point Substation to connect the solar farm to the power grid.  

The public comment period begins today and ends on May 20, 2022. Comments can be submitted online at www.tva.com/nepa, by email to [email protected], and by mail in writing to Tennessee Valley Authority, ATTN: Brooke Davis, 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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