Entergy Arkansas has officially brought its fourth utility-scale solar facility online, announcing that the 100-megawatt Walnut Bend Solar Energy Center in Lee County began commercial operation. The project, which was developed and constructed by clean energy firm Invenergy before being acquired by the utility, represents a significant expansion of renewable power in the state.
This new solar farm is poised to deliver substantial economic benefits to the region. The total capital investment in the project exceeds $300 million, and it is projected to generate over $170 million in net benefits for customers throughout its operational life. Locally, Lee County will receive an estimated $700,000 in annual property taxes. State officials praised the project’s impact, with Senator Ron Caldwell of District 10 calling it a “significant investment in Lee County,” and District 62 Representative Mark McElroy noting it will “strengthen our communities and help support economic development that will be good for Arkansas.”
Located east of Brinkley, the Walnut Bend facility leverages advanced solar technology, including bifacial panels that capture sunlight on both sides and single-axis trackers that follow the sun’s path. This combination maximizes energy generation, producing enough clean electricity to power approximately 61,000 homes. “Walnut Bend will be a valuable addition to our generation fleet,” said Laura Landreaux, President and CEO of Entergy Arkansas, emphasizing that such investments help keep customer rates below regional and national averages while ensuring reliable and sustainable service.
The activation of Walnut Bend brings Entergy Arkansas’s total solar generation capacity to 381 MW, joining the ranks of its other operational sites: the 81-MW Stuttgart Solar, 100-MW Chicot Solar, and 100-MW Searcy Solar projects. The utility’s renewable expansion is set to accelerate, with another 430 MW scheduled to come online later this year from company-owned facilities in West Memphis (180 MW) and Driver (250 MW). Further growth is planned for 2025 through power purchase agreements for the 200-MW Flat Fork and 200-MW Forgeview projects.
Invenergy’s Chief Development Officer, Mick Baird, highlighted the successful collaboration, stating, “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.” He also expressed gratitude to the Lee County community for their partnership.
Entergy Arkansas Activates 100-MW Walnut Bend Solar Project
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