Arkansas Nuclear One

On December 19, 1974, Arkansas Nuclear One Unit 1 began commercial operations in Russellville, Ark. Less than six years later, on March 26, 1980, Arkansas Nuclear One Unit 2 joined Unit 1 in generating electricity for the state of Arkansas. Together, the plants supply 1,839 megawatts of power, which is equal to approximately 30 percent of the total energy demand of the state.

Local newspaper reports at the time called the decision to build the two-unit nuclear plant near Russellville the “Greatest Thing in the Valley.” Arkansas Nuclear One provides jobs to more than 900 people in the River Valley area. In 2009, Unit 1 celebrated 35 years of providing safe, reliable and affordable power to the people of Arkansas.

One of Entergy’s core values is a commitment to communities, and Arkansas Nuclear One employees maintain a strong presence in Russellville and the surrounding Arkansas River Valley area. Major community initiatives include ValleyFest which supports Boys & Girls Clubs, the United Way, River Valley Arts Center, Community Scholarship Fund, quarterly Red Cross blood drives, River Valley Heart Walk and the River Valley Women’s Shelter.

Address: 1448 S.R. 333, Russellville, AR 72802

ANO Nuclear Energy Prevents Emissions

Generating electricity with nuclear energy prevents the emission of pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) and greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) associated with burning fossil fuels.

During 2009, environmental emissions avoided due to nuclear power plant operation in Arkansas included 18,457 short tons of sulfur dioxide, 10,373 short tons of nitrogen oxide and 10.96 million metric tons of carbon dioxide.

Emissions of SO2 lead to the formation of acid rain. NOx is a key precursor of both ground-level ozone and smog. Greenhouse gases like CO2 contribute to global warming.

Source: Emissions avoided by nuclear power are calculated using regional fossil fuel emissions rates from the Environmental Protection Agency and plant generation data from the Energy Information Administration.

ANO – Nuclear News

	‘Event of the century,’ - ANO celebrates 35TH anniversary Russellville Mayor Tyrone Williamson addressed the crowd at a reception honoring Arkansas Nuclear One’s 35th anniversary in operation. Williamson spoke of how former Mayor C.A. Hughes called the opening of ANO “the event of the century,” in 1974 when Arkansas Nuclear One commenced operation — an occurrence that would combine the generation of electricity and economic activity in a reaction forever impacting the Arkansas River Valley. ANO and the community celebrated the momentous anniversary with a film highlighting the unique history, public speeches and articles in local publications during November and December. Congratulations Arkansas Nuclear One!
	Entergy Nuclear’s ANO Honored ANO was honored at the global Power-Gen Projects of the Year awards program. ANO received the top honor as Nuclear Project of the Year for their work on the development of tungsten shielding and tungsten vests. Created from tungsten and polymers, the shielding twice as effective as lead blankets and the personal shielding for workers with tungsten vests are first-in-industry innovations.
	ANO is a STAR Safety Performer Entergy plants with OSHA Star status are Arkansas Nuclear One, FitzPatrick, Grand Gulf, Pilgrim, River Bend, Waterford 3 and. ANO was the first nuclear plant in the United States to be designated as a Voluntary Protection Program STAR by OSHA.