EDP Renewables North America LLC (EDPR NA) has announced the launch of the Ragsdale Solar Park in Madison County, Mississippi. The 100-megawatt (MW) solar project became operational in the fourth quarter of 2024 and is now supplying electricity directly to Entergy Mississippi’s transmission system. Amazon has contracted the entire 100 MW output through a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA), reinforcing EDPR NA’s role as a leading renewable energy developer in the southern United States.
The development of Ragsdale Solar Park began in 2016 under Acadian Renewable Energy, a joint venture between SunChase Power and Eolian, L.P. EDPR NA acquired the project from Acadian in early 2022 and successfully completed its development. In addition to generating enough electricity to meet the annual energy needs of more than 15,700 homes in Mississippi, Ragsdale Solar Park is set to provide significant economic benefits to the local community.
Over the lifetime of the project, it is expected to contribute approximately $34.6 million in tax revenue to local governments, which will support improvements in schools, roads, and other public services. The project will also provide around $15 million in lease payments to local landowners who have allocated portions of their land to host the solar infrastructure. The construction of Ragsdale Solar Park created over 100 jobs, and up to three full-time positions will be maintained to ensure safe operations and regular maintenance throughout its decades-long operational lifespan.
The project will further benefit the local economy through increased spending at nearby businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and retailers, with over $2 million already generated in local expenditures. Beyond its economic contributions, Ragsdale Solar Park will play a key role in environmental conservation.
By replacing conventional power generation, the project will help save more than 127 million gallons of water annually—the amount typically required by traditional energy sources to produce the same amount of electricity. As part of its sustainability commitment, Ragsdale Solar Park has also partnered with SOLARCYCLE® through the Close the Loop Program to recycle more than 120 tons of damaged or discarded solar panels, supporting a net-zero future.
“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,” stated Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO of EDP Renewables North America.
Lindsey Launius, Director of Market Strategy for Beta, said “The team at EDPR NA is passionate about effecting positive growth within the communities where they build. Often, this means engaging with the community directly throughout the project lifecycle to ensure transparency and buy-in from the landowners and nearby residents. It’s an honor to collaborate alongside clients like EDPR NA and their stakeholders to help them tell their story and present a unified approach to the energy transition.”
EDP Renewables North America LLC (EDPR NA) has actively engaged with the local community in central Mississippi by participating in various events and initiatives aimed at fostering strong relationships and supporting regional development. The company’s development team has contributed to multiple activities, reflecting a commitment to strengthening the community and ensuring the long-term success of the Ragsdale Solar Park.
Among these efforts, EDPR NA donated a “Jaws of Life” rescue tool to the local fire department, enhancing emergency response capabilities. The company also took part in the Pearl River clean-up for three consecutive years, demonstrating its dedication to environmental stewardship. Additionally, EDPR NA sponsored a bass fishing tournament, further integrating itself into the community and supporting local recreational activities.
During the development phase of the Ragsdale Solar Park, EDPR NA worked closely with Signal Energy and Beta Engineering to educate community leaders and stakeholders on the economic benefits of renewable energy. These collaborations helped highlight how clean energy projects can drive local economic growth, create jobs, and provide long-term financial contributions to the region.
Signal Energy and Beta Engineering played a crucial role in the development of the Ragsdale Solar Park by providing high-voltage engineering, procurement, and construction services to ensure its successful interconnection to the power grid. Their expertise helped facilitate a seamless integration of renewable energy into Entergy Mississippi’s transmission system. EDP Renewables North America LLC (EDPR NA) remains committed to expanding its presence in Mississippi’s growing renewable energy market.
Ragsdale Solar Park marks the company’s second utility-scale project in the state, following the Pearl River Solar Park. With an installed capacity of 175 megawatts (MW), Pearl River generates enough electricity to power approximately 26,000 Mississippi homes each year. In addition to providing clean energy, the project is expected to contribute over $50 million in tax revenue to local governments, supporting essential public services and infrastructure improvements.
Pearl River Solar Park also plays a vital role in environmental conservation by saving more than 222 million gallons of water annually—water that would otherwise be used for conventional power generation. Through projects like Ragsdale and Pearl River, EDPR NA continues to drive Mississippi’s transition to renewable energy, supporting both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
