Entergy Arkansas estimates Jefferson Power Station to cost $1.6 billion

More details were revealed Thursday (Nov. 6) on Entergy Arkansas’ Jefferson Power Station, a new natural gas power plant to be built near the existing White Bluff coal-fired power plant in Jefferson County, which is scheduled to stop burning coal in 2028.

Entergy agreed to take the White Bluff plant offline in a 2021 settlement with environmental groups Sierra Club and National Parks Conservation Association.

The Jefferson County Power Station will be a 754-megawatt combined cycle combustion turbine (CCCT) plant, utilizing natural gas with the capability to power more than 355,000 homes. It is expected to be operational in 2029 when the plant will employ about 22 full-time personnel.

On Thursday, Entergy disclosed that it will invest $1.6 billion in the plant. Construction of Jefferson Power Station is expected to generate an estimated $2.9 billion in total economic impact, supporting more than 3,600 jobs and contributing $128 million in local, county, and sales taxes to fund schools, roads, and other vital services.

“Jefferson Power Station represents a cornerstone investment in Arkansas’ energy future,” said Laura Landreaux, president and CEO of Entergy Arkansas. “This facility will strengthen reliability, keep costs low for our customers, and provide the dependable energy supply our communities need to thrive. We’re building for the next generation of Arkansans.”

Entergy Arkansas said it plans to hire local Arkansas-based vendors during the construction phase and encourages vendors seeking consideration for the project to go through the prospective supplier registration process.

“This investment demonstrates Entergy’s proactive preparation for Arkansas’s economic future,” Landreaux said. “It takes several years to construct new generation at a time when speed to market is a state’s most competitive advantage. While continuing to deliver reliable service to existing customers, this investment will also give new businesses and industries confidence that Arkansas has the reliable, affordable power they need to grow.”

Jefferson Power Station will serve as a baseload generation anchor in a broader plan that will optimize the existing White Bluff site to create a diverse mix of energy resources for Arkansas customers, Entergy said.

The potential conversion of White Bluff coal units to burn natural gas is intended to serve as peaking generation to meet customer needs during periods of high demand. Additional cost-effective energy and capacity from Arkansas Cypress solar and battery storage will provide a hedge against fluctuations in natural gas prices, the company said.