Arkansas regulators are being asked to approve construction of a $2.6 billion natural gas power plant in northeast Arkansas.
Arkansas Electric Cooperatives Corporation filed an application this week to build the facility in Newark, adjacent to the existing coal-fired Independence Power Plant in Independence County.
The proposed plant would generate 1,499 megawatts and is intended to replace aging coal-fired generation scheduled to retire at the end of the decade.
Officials say the project is aimed at addressing long-term energy needs as utilities continue transitioning away from coal. The Independence plant is expected to close by the end of 2030, which the cooperative says would leave a significant gap in baseload power capacity.
Natural gas facilities are often used to replace coal plants because they can provide reliable, on-demand energy while also offering flexibility to adjust to changes in electricity demand.
Arkansas Electric Cooperatives Corporation serves approximately 1.3 million residents across 74 of the state’s 75 counties.
The proposal now heads to regulators for review, where it will undergo evaluation of costs, environmental impact and long-term benefits.
If approved, the project would represent one of the largest energy infrastructure investments in the state and is expected to play a key role in maintaining reliable electric service for cooperative members.
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