Arkansas Nuclear One

On December 19, 1974, Arkansas Nuclear One Unit 1 began commercial operations in Russellville, Ark. Less than six years later, on March 26, 1980, Arkansas Nuclear One Unit 2 joined Unit 1 in generating electricity for the state of Arkansas. Together, the plants supply 1,823 megawatts of power, which is equal to approximately 30 percent of the total energy demand of the state.

Local newspaper reports at the time called the decision to build the two-unit nuclear plant near Russellville the “Greatest Thing in the Valley.” Arkansas Nuclear One provides jobs to more than 900 people in the River Valley area. In 2009, Unit 1 celebrated 35 years of providing safe, reliable and affordable power to the people of Arkansas.

One of Entergy’s core values is a commitment to communities, and Arkansas Nuclear One employees maintain a strong presence in Russellville and the surrounding Arkansas River Valley area. Major community initiatives include ValleyFest which supports Boys & Girls Clubs, the United Way, River Valley Arts Center, Community Scholarship Fund, quarterly Red Cross blood drives, River Valley Heart Walk and the River Valley Women’s Shelter.

Environmental Impact

Generating electricity with nuclear energy prevents the emission of pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) and greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) associated with burning fossil fuels.

During 2011, environmental emissions avoided due to nuclear power plant operation in Arkansas included 16,000 tons of sulfur dioxide, 10,000 tons of nitrogen oxide and 10 million metric tons of CO2.*

Emissions of SO2 lead to the formation of acid rain. NOx is a key precursor of both ground-level ozone and smog. Greenhouse gases like CO2 contribute to global warming.

* Source: Emissions avoided by nuclear power are calculated using regional fossil fuel emissions rates from the Environmental Protection Agency and plant generation data from the Energy Information Administration.