Silicon Ranch and Middle Tennessee Electric Forge Historic Solar Partnership

In a groundbreaking development for the renewable energy sector, Silicon Ranch, a prominent Nashville-based independent power producer, and Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE), the largest electric cooperative in the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) region and the second largest in the United States, have announced a significant solar agreement. This landmark deal, facilitated under TVA’s expanded Generation Flexibility Program, involves the establishment of the Copeland Solar Farm, a 110-megawatt (MWAC) solar facility. Once operational, it will mark the largest solar installation directly serving a local power company (LPC) in the Tennessee Valley.

Under the terms of the agreement, Silicon Ranch will finance, construct, own, operate, and maintain the Copeland Solar Farm located in Cumberland County, Tennessee, on behalf of MTE. Upon completion anticipated in late 2027, MTE stands to benefit from the generated power and environmental attributes, immediately realizing savings to serve over 750,000 residents across 11 counties. Additionally, Silicon Ranch, as the landowner and operator, expresses its commitment to the sustained prosperity of Cumberland County and its neighboring communities.

Notably, this partnership represents a significant investment by Silicon Ranch, promising substantial economic benefits over time, including millions of dollars in new tax revenue to support local infrastructure and educational initiatives in Cumberland County.

Chris Jones, President and CEO of Middle Tennessee Electric, expressed gratitude for the collaboration with TVA and praised Silicon Ranch’s commitment to delivering value to its members. In response, Matt Kisber, Co-Founder and Chairman of Silicon Ranch, highlighted the alignment of their mission with the cooperative spirit of electric cooperatives, emphasizing the positive impacts this venture will have on the region.

To commemorate this milestone, Silicon Ranch hosted a signing ceremony at its Nashville headquarters, attended by senior officials from MTE and TVA. Justin Maierhofer, Regional Vice President at TVA, commended the collaboration between MTE and Silicon Ranch, underscoring TVA’s commitment to fostering renewable energy growth and promoting investment in Cumberland County through its Generation Flexibility Program.