EDP Renewables North America Launches Ragsdale Solar Park in Mississippi in Collaboration with Amazon
CANTON, Miss., Feb. 19, 2025 /CNW/ -- EDP Renewables North America LLC (EDPR NA) is proud to announce the launch of its Ragsdale Solar Park (Ragsdale) in Madison Country, Mississippi. The 100 MW project, which went operational in late Q4 2024, will provide power directly into Entergy Mississippi's transmission system while distributing economic benefits to the surrounding community. Amazon has contracted for all 100 megawatts (MW) through a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA). This newest project solidifies EDPR NA's position as a leading renewable energy developer in the southern United States.
Development of Ragsdale was initiated in 2016 by Acadian Renewable Energy (Acadian), a joint venture between SunChase Power and Eolian, L.P. EDPR NA acquired Ragsdale from Acadian in early 2022 and subsequently completed development of the project.
In addition to generating enough energy to power the equivalent consumption of more than 15,700 Mississippi homes each year, Ragsdale will boost the local economy through a variety of local benefits. Approximately $34.6 million will be paid in taxes over the life of the project to local governments and will go towards enhancing schools, roads, and other essential services. Approximately $15 million will also be paid to local landowners, who lease a portion of their land to host the solar park's infrastructure. Ragsdale employed more than 100 people to construct the projects and will fill up to 3 full-time positions to safely operate and perform routine maintenance on the solar park throughout its multi-decade operational life.
The construction and operations of Ragsdale will continue to increase local spending, seen primarily at restaurants, hotels, and retailers near the projects, currently amounting to over $2 million. Additionally, the project will yield environmental benefits - including saving more than 127 million gallons of water each year - which is the amount of water that conventional generation sources would need to produce the same amount of energy as the solar park. Ragsdale has also committed to a net-zero future with an expected 3,200+ solar panels – approximately 120 tons of damaged or discarded panels – to be recycled with Close the Loop Program partner, SOLARCYCLE®.
"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," noted Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO of EDP Renewables North America.
Participating in local events and opportunities to strengthen the community, EDPR NA's development team contributed to a variety of activities throughout central Mississippi. Ranging from donating a "Jaw of Life" rescue tool to the local fire department and participating three years in a row in the neighboring county's Pearl River clean-up to sponsoring a bass fishing tournament, Ragsdale team members have been dedicated to the deep, long-standing relationships that have to date ensured Ragsdale's success.
During the development of Ragsdale, EDPR NA collaborated with Signal Energy and Beta Engineering to educate community leaders and stakeholders on how renewable energy can stimulate economic growth in communities.
"The team at EDPR NA is passionate about effecting positive growth within the communities where they build," says Lindsey Launius, Director of Market Strategy for Beta. "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."
Signal Energy and Beta Engineering provided high-voltage engineering, procurement, and construction services to interconnect Ragsdale to the grid.
EDPR NA continues to remain an active player in Mississippi's growing renewables market. Ragsdale Solar Park is the company's second utility-scale project in the state after Pearl River Solar Park (Pearl River). Pearl River has an installed capacity of 175 MW and generates energy equivalent to the consumption of 26,000 Mississippi homes. The solar park is projected to pay $50+ million to local governments in the form of tax payments and save 222+ million gallons of water annually.
Multimedia resources include:
EDPR NA: Fact Sheet
Ragsdale Solar Park: Fact Sheet
Ragsdale Solar Park: Website
Ragsdale Solar Park: Community Outreach Video
About EDP Renewables North America
EDP Renewables North America LLC (EDPR NA), its affiliates, and its subsidiaries develop, construct, own, and operate wind farms, solar parks, and energy storage systems throughout North America. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, with 61 wind farms, 26 solar parks, and eight regional offices across North America, EDPR NA has developed more than 12,000 megawatts (MW) and operates more than 11,400 MW of onshore utility-scale renewable energy projects. With more than 1,000 employees, EDPR NA's highly qualified team has a proven capacity to execute projects across the continent.
For more information, visit www.edpr.com/north-america and follow us on LinkedIn.
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2592695/5159256/EDP_Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/edp-renewables-north-america-launches-ragsdale-solar-park-in-mississippi-in-collaboration-with-amazon-302380446.html
SOURCE EDP
View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2025/19/c2659.html
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
42 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Brooks CEO Dan Sheridan says the top job drives him ‘nuts' 20% of the time—but one mindset mantra keeps him sane
As a CEO working under billionaire Warren Buffett, Brooks Running CEO Dan Sheridan admits that being a leader is 80% love and 20% frustration. Even though some days are rougher than others, he admits that the key to success is keeping a winning attitude—and it may be paying off as the billion-dollar brand has grown revenue by nearly 20% year-over-year. A focus on mindset is something other top leaders, the likes of Amazon's Andy Jassy and Cisco's Sarah Walker, agree is valuable. AI may be coming for the C-suite, but Gen Z isn't scared—they're inspired. While some executives fret that the rise of AI could make CEOs obsolete, 38% of young workers say they're more ready than ever to take the top job, nearly double the rate of Gen X, per McKinsey. And while the job may come with a corner office and a cushy salary, the CEO of the shoe company Brooks Running, Dan Sheridan, has a message for aspiring Gen Z corporate leaders: the job isn't so glamorous all the time. 'Brooks isn't perfect—no organization is,' Sheridan told Fortune's Leadership Next podcast last month. 'We've got our warts and bruises and things like that…. 80% of the time I love what I'm doing.' The CEO admits that for around 20% of the time, his job is filled with 'things that drive you nuts and things you can't solve.' As a company owned by billionaire Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, the pressure for Sheridan to have his company succeed is high. The pressure is on and sometimes rough days make him want to give up. However, he says the most important thing he can do as a leader is keep a cool head, reevaluate, and move on. 'I just think as leaders, you have to be optimistic. You have to have a winning attitude,' Sheridan said. 'Otherwise, no one's going to follow you. Your customers aren't going to follow you. Your employees aren't going to follow you, and your owners are probably going to scratch their head and say, what's going on here?' The power of a positive attitude While Sheridan reveals that striking the right balance between optimism and realism is difficult, he says it's mission-critical for leaders. 'One of the things that I think a lot about in my role is keeping my head above the clouds to see the future—but staying grounded enough in the dirt and the mud to know what's going on,' he added. He's not the first to shout out about the importance of positivity: Other business leaders say it's the very trait that can help aspiring executives stand out from the crowd. The head of Cisco U.K. Sarah Walker calls attitude the No. 1 green-flag trait she looks out for in hiring and promotions—far outweighing what may be on your resume. 'You cannot teach positive attitudes and engagement and energy,' she told Fortune. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has even admitted that 'an embarrassing amount of how well you do, particularly in your twenties, has to do with attitude.' Even Microsoft's CEO Satya Nadella has said that he is a believer in having a mindset focused on personal growth because 'if you take two people, one of them is a learn-it-all and the other one is a know-it-all, the learn-it-all will always trump the know-it-all in the long run, even if they start with less innate capability.' Leaders who have climbed—instead of hopping—the corporate ladder Sheridan was named CEO of Brooks in April 2024, and has since led the company to rapid growth. Its second-quarter numbers, released last week, announced a 19% year-over-year global revenue increase. But this moment has been one that's 27 years in the making for Sheridan; in fact, this is the only company he's called home for his entire career, starting in 1998 when he began his journey in account sales and marketing. Over the years, Sheridan rose in the ranks by riding the promotion train every two to three years before becoming COO in 2019—and soon after landing the top job. But he's not alone in his success being tied to staying grounded at one company, instead of Gen Z's preferred method of job hopping. The CEO at fellow running shoe company Nike, Elliot Hill, climbed up the ladder for over 30 years—from apparel sales intern to head honcho. General Motors CEO Mary Barra and Walmart CEO Doug McMillon have similar stories of working their way up from making just a few dollars an hour all the way to up to the best corner office at the same company. This story was originally featured on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
UiPath Stock Falls 11% in 3 Months: Should You Buy the Dip or Wait?
UiPath Inc. PATH shares have slipped 11% in the past three months, in contrast to the industry's 15% increase. This analysis reviews PATH's recent performance and assesses whether the stock offers a compelling buying opportunity in the current market environment. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Automation Boom Drives Growth for PATH UiPath remains a strong force in the booming Robotic Process Automation (RPA) market, which is poised for substantial expansion over the coming years. Its end-to-end automation platform positions the company to seize opportunities as demand for AI-driven solutions surges. A critical driver of PATH's success is its strategic alliances with top technology giants. Microsoft MSFT, Amazon AMZN and Salesforce CRM continue to play pivotal roles in expanding UiPath's reach and capabilities. These partnerships not only bolster PATH's credibility but also integrate its offerings into broader enterprise ecosystems powered by Microsoft Azure, Amazon's AWS and Salesforce Cloud solutions. The company boasts high customer retention, with net retention rates ranging between 110% and 115%, underscoring its ability to expand usage within existing accounts. In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, UiPath reported a 6% year-over-year increase in revenues to $357 million. Additionally, its annual recurring revenues rose 12% to $1.69 billion, reflecting the strength of its subscription-based business model and customer loyalty. With a strong global presence, a robust partner ecosystem, particularly with Microsoft, Amazon, and Salesforce, and a continued focus on intelligent automation, UiPath is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in the evolving RPA and enterprise automation market. PATH Demonstrates Strong Financial Stability PATH boasts a robust financial position, highlighted by its strong balance sheet. As of the fiscal first quarter, the company held $1.6 billion in cash and equivalents, with no outstanding debt. This debt-free status ensures that its cash reserves are available to fuel growth initiatives and strategic investments. Such financial flexibility increases PATH's ability to drive innovation and expand its market presence without financial strain. Additionally, the company's liquidity is robust. At the end of the fiscal first quarter, PATH reported a current ratio of 2.95, exceeding the industry average of 1.95. A current ratio above 1 indicates that a company has sufficient assets to cover its short-term liabilities. The company's strong liquidity positions it to navigate economic uncertainties and enhances its capacity to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the competitive RPA market. Muted Analyst Sentiment for PATH PATH has seen little change in analyst sentiment over the past 60 days, which suggests a cautious outlook. Estimates for EPS remain unchanged at 8 cents for the upcoming quarter and 56 cents for fiscal 2026. This signals that analysts are neither optimistic nor pessimistic about PATH's near-term performance. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Wait-and-Watch Approach for PATH In conclusion, PATH stands at an interesting crossroad. On the one hand, the company benefits from strong industry tailwinds in automation, solid partnerships with leading tech giants and a rock-solid balance sheet with ample cash reserves and no debt. Its ability to grow recurring revenues and maintain high customer retention underscores long-term resilience. On the other hand, muted analyst sentiment and recent underperformance relative to the industry suggest that the stock may face near-term headwinds. Given this mix, PATH appears better suited for a 'wait and watch' strategy until clearer growth catalysts emerge. PATH currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Inc. (AMZN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Salesforce Inc. (CRM) : Free Stock Analysis Report UiPath, Inc. (PATH) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Target's CEO succession tilts toward an insider and company lifer
When Brian Cornell took over as Target's CEO in 2014, the retailer was reeling from a data breach, a failed Canadian expansion, and wavering investor confidence. Over the next decade, he restored stability and positioned the brand as a steady performer. Now, as Cornell's extended tenure nears its conclusion—he agreed to a three-year extension in 2022 that is expected to end in late 2025—the question in Minneapolis and on Wall Street is who will take the clearest heir apparent is Michael Fiddelke, Target's chief operating officer. Over more than two decades, Fiddelke has touched nearly every corner of the business—finance, HR, merchandising, and store operations—before rising to CFO and then COO. In May, he was tapped to lead the company's new enterprise acceleration office, a cross-functional initiative to streamline operations and drive growth. Many insiders viewed that appointment as less a reorganization than a trial run for the corner office. His breadth of experience, coupled with Cornell's public praise of his versatility and institutional knowledge, makes him the strongest names have circulated, including Christina Hennington, the former chief strategy and growth officer, but her departure earlier this year cleared the path for Fiddelke. While Target's leadership bench is deep, few executives possess his cross-functional depth or appear to be groomed directly for the board may weigh more than continuity. With sales sluggish and competition intensifying from Walmart, Amazon, and dollar stores, some argue that Target could look outside for a leader who can shake up the formula. An external hire could accelerate bold moves in e-commerce, experiential retail, or even adjacency plays in healthcare. That sets up a clear fork in the road. Continuity with Fiddelke would provide stability, cultural cohesion, and predictability—traits valued by investors in a mature retail brand. But critics may question whether an insider can push the company beyond its comfort zone. Disruption with an external CEO would offer fresh thinking but risk cultural friction and the loss of institutional memory at a delicate moment for the Cornell, who has been Target's public face for more than a decade, the decision is as much about legacy as strategy. His successor will determine whether Target doubles down on the playbook he crafted or rewrites it altogether. Ruth This story was originally featured on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
