In the past Well-Being has published a number of articles about how we can each reduce our carbon footprint by adjusting our way of thinking and taking some simple steps that will not only save energy, but also save money. And, it’s true that each of us can make a difference in our own way when it comes to working toward a cleaner, safer planet. It turns out, Entergy Corporation, which produces and distributes electrical power to utility customers in Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas, has its own plan for reducing emissions and increasing its use of clean energy.
Just over the past 12 years, Entergy’s operating companies and Entergy Wholesale Commodities have added approximately 4,458 megawatts of clean, highly efficient combined cycle gas turbines (CCGT) generation and 700 megawatts of non-emitting nuclear generation by increasing capacity at existing plants.
CCGT plants are highly efficient at reducing the amount of fuel burned per kilowatt hour of energy produced, thus greatly reducing emissions. Entergy’s strategy has allowed the retirement or reduced use of 4,000 megawatts of older, less efficient legacy gas steam units.
Entergy is exploring a wide range of opportunities with respect to renewables and new technology. In 2015, approximately 2.4 million MWh of renewable energy was included in Entergy’s fuel mix, which consists of hydro, solar, biomass, landfill gas, waste heat recovery, and wind renewable energy credits. Entergy Arkansas received approval in 2015 to purchase power from a new 81 MW solar project that is expected to come on line in 2018. And to further these efforts, three of Entergy’s utilities are seeking up to 320 MW of new renewable resources including consideration of a project that involves installing utility-owned rooftop solar projects on customer-owned sites in New Orleans.
Entergy partners with customers on a variety of energy efficiency programs, which help lower bills by reducing energy usage. For available tools and resources, visit the energy efficiency pages for each of Entergy’s operating companies at entergy.com.