Ribbon cutting held for Arkansas’ newest solar energy center
Community members and elected officials gathered in West Memphis, Arkansas, on Thursday to celebrate the commissioning of the state’s newest solar energy center. The Big Cypress Solar Energy Center in West Memphis, Arkansas, has been officially commissioned and began commercial operation in January 2024. The facility will deliver 20 megawatts of clean, renewable energy to West Memphis Utility customers and generate up to 180 megawatts. 300 jobs were created during its construction. The solar energy center is expected to generate $7.9 million in tax revenue for Crittenden County over the next 35 years. A subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, a world leader in battery energy storage, built, owns, and operates the facility. The company is also developing the West Memphis Solar project.
Published : a month ago by Lydian Kennin in Environment
WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. (WMC) - Community members and elected officials gathered in West Memphis, Arkansas, on Thursday to celebrate the commissioning of the state’s newest solar energy center.
According to city officials and the project developer, the Big Cypress Solar Energy Center will deliver 20 megawatts of clean, renewable energy to West Memphis Utility customers with the capacity to generate up to 180 megawatts of solar power.
“West Memphis Utilities is building a better Arkansas with innovative ways to give our customers reliable, affordable and sustainable power,” said West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon. “Energy generated at Big Cypress Solar Energy Center is a perfect example. It adds to our portfolio of energy technologies, while ensuring we get the most value from our clean energy investments.”
The facility began commercial operation in January 2024. 300 jobs were created during its construction.
A subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources built, owns, and operates the facility. The company is the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun, and a world leader in battery energy storage.
NextEra Energy Resources is also developing the West Memphis Solar project.
“We are proud to work with the City of West Memphis to bring cost-effective, solar energy to its customers,” said Chelsea Howard, vice president of origination at NextEra Energy Resources. “This solar energy center will generate clean energy and at the same time provide significant tax revenue to Arkansas for years to come.”
The solar center is expected to add $7.9 million in tax revenue for Crittenden County over the next 35 years.
Click here to sign up for our newsletter!
Click here to report a spelling or grammar error. Please include the headline.
Topics: Green Energy, ESG