EDP Renewables North America has formally opened the Ragsdale Solar Park in Madison County, Mississippi. The 100 MW solar facility, which went into operation in late Q4 2024, will supply electricity directly into Entergy Mississippi’s transmission system.
Amazon has signed the project under a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA), taking the entire 100 MW capacity. This new milestone further solidifies EDPR NA’s position as a leader in renewable energy development in the southern United States.
Ragsdale’s construction started in 2016 by Acadian Renewable Energy, a partnership between SunChase Power and Eolian, L.P. EDPR NA purchased the project from Acadian in early 2022 and finished its development, furthering the company’s solar energy initiatives.
Environmental and Economic Impact
The Ragsdale Solar Park will produce sufficient electricity to power over 15,700 homes annually. The project will also have major economic advantages for the local community. Over the life of the project, local authorities will receive around $34.6 million in taxes, which will be used to improve infrastructure, schools, and basic services.
Local landowners where the solar infrastructure will be hosted will receive about $15 million in compensation. The project created more than 100 jobs during construction and will create three full-time jobs for regular operations.
Local Economy Boost
The Ragsdale project has contributed over $2 million to local businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and retailers near the site. Ragsdale will save over 127 million gallons of water annually, compared to conventional energy sources generating the same power.
Ragsdale has joined forces with SOLARCYCLE to recycle more than 120 tons of unwanted or broken solar panels, driving sustainability initiatives. This fits with EDPR NA’s approach to helping develop a net-zero future.
Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO of EDP Renewables North America, said, “Ragsdale signifies EDP Renewables’ ongoing commitment to Mississippi, its communities, and local businesses. The opportunity to develop utility-scale solar and contract directly with customers like Amazon, who are also committed to expanding their own presence in Mississippi, has been invaluable. We are proud to aid the state’s commercial and industrial growth with homegrown energy solutions.”
EDPR NA has actively supported the local community through donations to fire departments, participation in clean-up events like the Pearl River clean-up, and sponsoring a bass fishing tournament, demonstrating their commitment to building long-term relationships with the community.
Also read: EDP Renewables North America Launches Three New Solar Projects for Microsoft
Collaborating for Economic Growth
EDPR NA has worked closely with Signal Energy and Beta Engineering to educate local leaders on the economic potential of renewable energy.
Ragsdale Solar Park is EDPR NA’s second utility-scale project in Mississippi, following the success of the Pearl River Solar Park. The 175 MW Pearl River project will power 26,000 homes and contribute over $50 million in taxes to local governments. It will also save over 222 million gallons of water each year.