An energy company can now move forward with the first solar electric generating facility in DeSoto County. The company expects to spend $90-million on the facility. The county is not spending a dime.
"This makes good economic sense for us," said Denison. "We get a low-impact project, basically, that we have to build no infrastructure for and it's going to increase our annual tax base for schools and the county by $400,000, on a piece of land that is currently generating $11,000 a year."
Public Service Commissioner Bandon Presley officially signed the approval order today in Walls City Hall, in front of city, county, and state leaders. “Solar projects are creating jobs and revenue for counties and cities, and are showing the nation that Mississippi is on the move,” said Commissioner Presley. “It show we can have smart policy on the state level that encourages renewable energy development.”
The 600-acre solar facility is being built near Walls, with its northwest boundary at the corner of Old Hwy. 61 and Sanders Road. It is owned and operated by Wildflower Solar, a subsidiary of Clearway Energy. The 100+ megawatt facility will be built in Supervisor Ray Denison’s district near Walls. DeSoto County Supervisors worked with the company and state to ensure it was a good fit for DeSoto County.
“This is a great day in Desoto County, in Walls, in Mississippi, and for our nation,” said Supervisor Lee Caldwell. “This is clean energy. This is new way to do things.”
Construction is expected to begin later this year and is expected to employ as many of 300 workers during the buildout. After construction, they expect to have 5 full-time employees to manage the solar facility, plus landscaping crews to ensure vegetation doesn’t interfere with the solar panels.
“To supervisors, thank you for your leadership at the county level as we’ve gone through appropriate permitting processes, “said Barry Matchett, Head of External Affairs, Clearway Energy. “We are very grateful for your willingness to listen and to learn about this first solar project in DeSoto County.”
Once complete, Wildflower Solar will connect to transmission lines and the MISO marketplace. The facility has entered into a virtual purchase agreement with Toyota’s Blue Springs, MIssissippi facility which is helping Toyota meet their green energy goals.
Original source can be found here.
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