Entergy Arkansas has announced that the 100-MW Walnut Bend Solar Energy Center in Lee County, Arkansas, is now in commercial operation. The solar project was developed and built by clean energy developer Invenergy before being acquired by Entergy Arkansas.
Walnut Bend Solar Project to Power 61,000 Homes
Walnut Bend is Invenergy’s first solar project in Arkansas. The new facility features advanced bifacial solar panels and sun-tracking systems that enhance energy production by capturing sunlight from both sides and adjusting their tilt to follow the sun throughout the day. The facility generates enough clean electricity to power 61,000 homes.
“Walnut Bend will be a valuable addition to our generation fleet, which, in turn, complements our diverse mix of generation sources that have been powering life in Arkansas for more than 100 years,” said Laura Landreaux, Entergy Arkansas President and CEO. “Our investments in these generation resources are a key part of keeping the rates our customers pay below regional and national averages, enabling us to provide reliable, affordable and sustainable service to our customers throughout the state.”
Walnut Bend to Generate $700,000 in Annual Property Taxes
According to Entergy Arkansas, the Walnut Bend facility is expected to generate approximately $700,000 in annual property taxes for Lee County. The total investment exceeds $300 million, yielding net customer benefits of over $170 million throughout the life of the facility.
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“I am pleased to welcome Walnut Bend Solar to my district,” said Ron Caldwell, Arkansas Senator for District 10. “This facility represents a significant investment in Lee County that will provide economic benefits locally and throughout Arkansas.”
“Walnut Bend Solar is a great addition to my district,” said Mark McElroy, Arkansas District 62 Representative. “The facility will generate economic benefits for Lee County and the surrounding communities. This investment will strengthen our communities and help support economic development that will be good for Arkansas.”
Entergy Arkansas Expands Solar Portfolio with New Projects
Walnut Bend is the fourth solar project Entergy Arkansas has brought online, bringing renewable, emission-free solar power to its customers. The other facilities include the 81-MW Stuttgart Solar, the 100-MW Chicot Solar project in Lake Village, and the 100-MW Searcy Solar. Together, these four facilities generate 381 megawatts of Arkansas solar power for customers.
Later this year, Entergy Arkansas will bring an additional 430 MW of solar power online from facilities it will own and operate in West Memphis (180 MW) and Driver (250 MW). Additionally, two more solar projects are scheduled to come online in 2025: Flat Fork (200 MW) and Forgeview (200 MW), which will supply energy and capacity to Entergy Arkansas through long-term power purchase agreements.
“Walnut Bend is another example of Invenergy’s successful track record of building clean energy solutions, and we are proud to support Entergy’s growing solar power portfolio,” said Mick Baird, Chief Development Officer at Invenergy. “We are grateful to the Lee County community for their partnership, and we look forward to continuing to develop projects in Arkansas to meet the state’s energy needs and invest in local communities.”