Minkar Solar
Project summary
bp is developing the 90-megawatt ac (125 MWdc) Minkar Solar project in Lamar County, Mississippi and has engaged Lightsource bp to advance development activities for this project. bp has a larger presence in the US that anywhere else in the world and is developing a pipeline of solar projects across the country. Lightsource bp is a global leader in the development and management of solar energy and energy storage projects and a 50:50 joint venture with bp.
If approved, the project will generate new tax revenue for Lamar County without an increase on its citizens, create new jobs during construction and operations, and will reduce carbon emissions for healthier air.
Economic benefits:
$137 million in private capital will fully fund the Minkar Solar project, an investment into new energy infrastructure for Mississippi’s energy security and independence. The project will support between 150-250 direct jobs. For more information about the Minkar Solar project please see the project one-pager.
Responsible solar commitment:
bp and Lightsource bp have an approach to project development known as Responsible Solar, which means we work hard to make each of our solar projects a net positive for the community. Our responsible practices for solar farm development, include:
Adding buffer zones of green space and planting trees and other vegetation between the solar panels and public view for screening and to provide habitat for local wildlife.
A commitment to recycling all non-functioning solar panels during construction, operations, and at the end of the project’s life.
An agricultural style fence, consistent with the local aesthetic of the area, to be installed around the project as opposed to industry-standard chain link fencing.
Planting vegetation under and around the solar panels, with a seed mix customized for the local area.
A long-term Land Maintenance and Biodiversity plan for the site will be shared with the community to support habitat conservation and increase biodiversity on site, and ensure it blends with the local aesthetic.
Local ordinance:
In developing the Minkar Energy Project, we are adhering to the Site Plan Review Ordinance adopted by Lamar County, which provides local regulatory control over solar farms. Key elements of the ordinance, which complement our best practices for solar farm development, include Performance Standards related to:
Preserving and enhancing landscape
Surface water management
Road construction
Vehicle access and traffic
and environmental respect
Questions
A critical step in all of our projects is soliciting community feedback to help shape our final plans. We welcome your questions and comments to ensure that this is a good project for your community. If you’d like to find out more about this project, ask questions of provide input, please email USCommunityRelations@lightsourcebp.com.
We have also put together a list of commonly asked questions and their answers. Please visit our FAQs.
Schedule
The Minkar Solar project is currently in its early stages. Lightsource bp is in the process of conducting various site studies as well as working with Lamar County on a path forward for permitting the project. As the project progresses, our goal is to promote community engagement through events hosted by Lightsource bp leading up to an expected construction start date of late 2024 or early 2025.
bp’s ambition is to become a net zero company by 2050 or sooner, and to help the world get to net zero. bp has a larger economic footprint in the United States than anywhere else in the world, investing more than $145 billion since 2005 and supporting more than 275,000 jobs across the country. For more information on bp in the US, visit www.bp.com/us.
bp is the long-term owner of the project and our 50:50 joint venture partner, Lightsource bp will develop the project. Lightsource bp is a global leader in solar development with a successful 10-year track record of development and long-term management of solar projects.