LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) – The new solar generation source for Entergy Arkansas is online and pumping power into the power grid, officials said recently. The Searcy Solar Energy Center is one of the first in the state to include battery storage and can store 30 megawatts to provide power come rain or shine, according to a press release.
Searcy Solar is one of three plants producing solar power for Entergy Arkansas customers, adding 100 MW to the 181 MW already online. It joins Stuttgart Solar, an 81 MW facility, and Chicot Solar in Lake Village, a 100 MW facility, both of which are under long-term contracts between Entergy Arkansas and subsidiaries of NextEra Energy Resources.
According to Entergy, these solar energy resources are expected to save customers more than $190 million and will help protect the environment for many years to come.
“Solar power is clean, renewable, abundant and cost-effective,” said Laura Landreaux, president and CEO of Entergy Arkansas. “It’s a smart way to boost our electricity supply, and storing the battery in this facility will keep the power going even when the sun isn’t shining.
Solar generation provides a large amount of electricity throughout the year without additional fuel costs, providing energy at a lower cost, especially during peak summer afternoon hours , when the demand for electricity is high.
As part of its ongoing commitment to economic development and renewable resources, Entergy Arkansas has another 280 MW under development and recently issued a request for proposals for up to 500 MW of solar and wind capacity to add to its portfolio. of electricity production by 2026.
The state’s three solar power plants will represent 5% of Entergy Arkansas’ available generation capacity by 2023.
