Entergy Mississippi to expand renewable sources by 1,000 MW while replacing natural gas

In the largest expansion of renewable power in Mississippi to date, Entergy Mississippi announced this week that it will add 1,000 MW of solar and other renewable sources of energy to its portfolio as replacements for aging natural gas plants over the next five years.

This will allow the company to better meet demand in the region and, according to Entergy, make both it and Mississippi more competitive in attracting economic development. It should also shield Entergy customers from what it called “volatile natural gas prices,” given that natural gas currently makes up most of its power generation.

“The EDGE (Economic Development with Green Energy) plan will provide major benefits to the customers and communities we serve,” Haley Fisackerly, Entergy Mississippi president and CEO, said. “Having significant renewable power is as important to large companies as a state’s tax and incentive structure, site availability, and labor force. Adding more renewable energy will put Mississippi communities in a better position for industrial recruitment while also diversifying our power generation portfolio at a time of rising natural gas prices.”

As laid out, the plan calls for 500 MW of renewable portfolio by 2025 and another 500 MW by 2027. This will be coupled with nuclear power provided by Grand Gulf and result in an overall increase in the percentage of the company’s portfolio held by renewable power from less than a single percent to nearly one-third of its total within five years.

“Entergy’s EDGE plan will help Mississippi in its efforts to become energy independent and increase the already wide range of energy options available to customers,” Gov. Tate Reeves said. “Entergy’s new power generation plan will help put Mississippi in an even better position to recruit job creators and contribute to our state’s economic growth.”

In August, work to add these renewable sources began with groundbreaking for a 100 MW solar facility in Sunflower County. Requests for proposals for other renewable projects will start early next year, at which point the company will submit plans to the Mississippi Public Service Commission for review.