In a significant step for renewable energy in the Mississippi Delta, Clearloop announced on June 4, 2024, the launch of two new solar farms in Panola County, Mississippi. These projects, developed in partnership with the Tallahatchie Valley Electric Power Association (TVEPA) and the Panola Partnership, represent the first phase of a three-part initiative aimed at expanding equitable access to clean energy and decarbonizing the regional power grid.
The newly operational facilities, Panola I and Panola II, each have a capacity of 6.6 MWDC. They are part of a larger plan that includes the forthcoming 4.8 MWDC Panola III farm. Once all three projects are online, their combined 18 MWDC capacity will generate enough cost-effective renewable energy to power approximately 3,000 homes annually and are projected to prevent over one billion pounds of carbon from entering the atmosphere over their lifetime.
A Diverse Coalition of Corporate Support
Clearloop’s innovative model enables organizations of all sizes to invest in clean energy and offset their carbon footprint. The Panola I project is backed by a broad coalition of over 30 entities, including Vista Equity Partners and 21 of its portfolio companies, alongside prominent names like Uber, Rivian, Oak View Group/GOAL, Infoblox, and FarmHouse Fresh.
Microsoft is the key supporter of the Panola II Solar Farm, furthering its corporate mission to be carbon negative by 2030. Danielle Decatur, Director of Environmental Justice at Microsoft, stated, “As a company dedicated to achieving carbon negativity by 2030, we are pleased to support Clearloop’s approach to accelerating grid decarbonization and emphasizing fair access to clean energy in communities like Panola County, where our contributions can make a meaningful difference.”
The third project, Panola III, is supported by Vanderbilt University and is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2024. This partnership reinforces the university’s commitment to powering its campus with 100% renewable energy and maintaining carbon neutrality.
Long-Term Investment and Community Impact
The projects represent a lasting commitment to the region. Clearloop’s parent company, Silicon Ranch, will own and operate the Panola solar farms for their entire 40-year lifespan, ensuring a long-term partnership with TVEPA and the Panola County community while supporting local economic development goals.
The model’s appeal extends to businesses focused on measurable climate action. Emily Deer, Associate Advisor at Chicory Wealth, commented on their involvement: “Collaborating with Clearloop has been pivotal for Chicory Wealth in striving to achieve our ambitious climate objectives… Clearloop offered us an ideal opportunity to offset our carbon footprint while also enabling our company to contribute to the expansion of renewable energy access and the economic prospects it brings to Panola County.”
Sources
- Grandma Mae’s Now Reclaiming Carbon from Transportation
- Clearloop Flips the Switch on Two Solar Projects in Mississippi …
- Panola County, MS Projects – Clearloop
- White Pine, TN Solar Farm – Clearloop
- Infoblox Partners with Clearloop to Support Clean Energy …
- Flip the Switch – solar ranches now operating in Panola
- Major solar energy projects take off in Panola County