Arkansas Nuclear One is a source of safe, clean, secure and reliable power located in Russellville. The site is home to two pressurized water reactors. ANO Unit 1 began commercial operations Dec. 19, 1974, followed less than six years later by Unit 2, which began commercial operations March 26, 1980. For nearly 50 years, the station has provided low cost power to customers in Arkansas, including the River Valley. The two units at ANO have enough capacity to supply a majority of power used by Entergy Arkansas commercial and residential customers. The two units generate enough power to meet approximately 56% of the total energy demand of Entergy Arkansas’ 730,000 customers.
In addition to electricity, ANO also generates a significant positive economic impact in the River Valley. Entergy remains one of the area’s premiere employers and attracts highly-skilled, well compensated workers who live and invest in the community. The station currently employs approximately 1,048 full-time workers and more than 100 baseline contractors employed to assist in daily plant activities.
One of Entergy’s core values is a commitment to communities, and ANO employees maintain a strong presence in Russellville and the surrounding Arkansas River Valley area. Each year, grants totaling more than $100,000 are awarded to local non-profit organizations, and employees partner with Entergy Corporation to donate in excess of $230,000 to the River Valley United Way for distribution to its partner agencies.