Entergy Mississippi on Nov. 7 celebrated the beginning of development of a brand new $1.2 billion, 754-MW pure gas-fired energy plant that may serve the utility’s clients throughout the state.
The Delta Blues Superior Energy Station, scheduled to return on-line in 2028, is changing the 50-year-old Gerald Andrus Steam Electrical Station. The 781-MW Andrus gas-fired facility entered business operation in 1975. It had been scheduled for retirement in 2035.
Drew Marsh, CEO of Entergy Corp., at Thursday’s groundbreaking stated, “Entergy is honored to serve the Gulf South, which is a premier financial hub driving numerous buyer progress. Corporations are in search of reasonably priced, dependable and clear energy—and right this moment we’re proving that we are able to meet these wants. The Delta Blues Superior Energy Station is main a brand new period of energy era in Mississippi, whereas utilizing higher expertise to drive sustainability and preserve prices as little as attainable for our clients.”
Entergy Mississippi is a subsidiary of Entergy Corp. Officers stated the brand new energy plant will present a big financial impression for the Mississippi Delta, creating greater than 300 development jobs within the space over the subsequent a number of years together with further tax income for Washington County.
Entergy stated the utility will make use of some 21 full-time employees to function the plant when it comes on-line. The brand new facility can be geared up with a combined-cycle combustion turbine and dual-fuel expertise. It’s going to primarily burn pure fuel, however can be designed to assist the usage of blended hydrogen to scale back carbon emissions.
“The groundbreaking of the Delta Blues Superior Energy Station is a big step in our plan to remodel our energy era portfolio for the longer term,” stated Haley Fisackerly, president and CEO of Entergy Mississippi. “We’re experiencing historic financial progress in our state. Investing in cleaner, extra environment friendly energy era now will assist us preserve payments decrease for purchasers than they in any other case could be sooner or later. As a result of once we save, so do our clients. At this time represents our perception in Mississippi’s shiny future.”
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves stated, “The Delta Blues Superior Energy Station is a large win for Greenville, Washington County, and the state of Mississippi. Entergy has been an distinctive accomplice in rising our state’s financial system. This new plant will energy 385,000 houses and is a good instance of Mississippi’s dedication to bringing dependable, out there, and reasonably priced vitality to our state’s residents and companies.”
Entergy Mississippi gives electrical energy to about 459,000 clients in 45 counties.
Greenville Mayor Errick Simmons stated, “This new energy plant is a transformative undertaking that may convey financial progress, improved infrastructure, dependable vitality, and environmental sustainability to Greenville and the Mississippi Delta. Our collaboration with Entergy displays a robust dedication to uplifting underserved communities and advancing sustainable improvement by means of job creation and abilities coaching. This partnership with Entergy showcases Greenville as a forward-thinking metropolis, able to embrace fashionable options for progress whereas addressing the wants of its residents and companies alike.”
“At this time, as we break floor on Entergy’s new Delta Blues Superior Energy Station, we’re not simply investing in Mississippi’s vitality future; we’re igniting a transformative alternative for financial improvement throughout the Delta,” stated Bennie Thompson, a Democratic congressman who represents Mississippi’s 2nd district within the U.S. Home of Representatives. “This undertaking represents a dedication to cleaner, extra environment friendly vitality options, but additionally represents a dedication to financial improvement that may create jobs, stimulate native companies, and uplift our communities. By prioritizing sustainable vitality, we’re guaranteeing that our communities thrive and that the advantages of progress are felt by everybody. Collectively, we’re constructing a brighter, extra affluent future for the Mississippi Delta and our nice state.”
Entergy Corp.-led utilities serve about 3 million clients in Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas.
—Darrell Proctor is a senior editor for POWER (@POWERmagazine).
