The Arkansas Public Service Commission has approved Lightsource BP’s 250MW AC (312MW DC) Entergy Arkansas Driver Solar Project, which will be located near Osceola in Mississippi County.
Driver Solar will be the utility’s largest solar facility, capable of generating enough energy to power more than 40,000 homes, according to the developer.
President and chief executive of Entergy Arkansas Laura Landreaux said: “Driver Solar adds highly economic, renewable generation to our portfolio, further diversifying our energy mix in a way that meets our customers’ evolving expectations.
“It is a key contribution toward business expansion in Northeast Arkansas, and we are excited to be a part of it.”
“We are listening to our customers as we develop and execute our generation strategy for the future.
“We are privileged to be able to work closely with US Steel Corporation to develop sustainable solutions to help them meet their objective of producing steel using renewable electricity while simultaneously lowering rates over the long term for all 728,000-plus Entergy Arkansas customers.”
The Driver Solar site will be situated adjacent to both the US Steel’s Big River Steel facility
Lightsource BP has completed development and permitting of the solar field and will build the facility under a build-transfer agreement with Entergy Arkansas.
Driver Solar has an expected completion date in late 2024.
US Steel senior vice president, chief strategy and sustainability officer Richard Fruehauf said: “This project with Entergy Arkansas and Lightsource BP illustrates the importance of partnerships.
“Driver Solar not only helps us meet our robust sustainability goals, but it will also help us deliver sustainable steel solutions for our customers.
“The renewable energy generated will power the production of verdeX, our advanced sustainable steel product, which is composed of up to 90% recycled steel content, as well as other products produced at our Big River Works facility.”