Arkansas
Advancing Wind Energy in the Natural State
Arkansas: The Next Wind Energy Hub of the Southeast
Arkansas is emerging as a new frontier for wind energy in the Southeast, leading the region in the number of land-based wind projects under development. The agricultural Mississippi Delta Region, in particular, offers some of the highest wind resource potential at both 110 and 140-meter hub heights, setting the stage for significant growth in wind development.
Currently, the Natural State has over 1.9 gigawatts (GW) of wind energy under development, including the 135 MW Crossover Wind project in Cross County. In northeast Arkansas, the proposed Nimbus Wind project in Carroll County would bring another 180 MW to the state. Additionally, Arkansas is uniquely positioned as the only landlocked state in the Southeast that lies entirely within the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) Regional Transmission Organization (RTO), offering a strategic advantage for wind energy development.
Image Source: NREL
Check out a summary of the benefits of wind energy for Arkansas here: Arkansas Fact Sheet
SEWC is actively engaged in reducing barriers and fostering partnerships to support the advancement of wind energy in the state. Wind projects in Arkansas are poised to deliver a range of economic benefits, including job creation, land lease payments, local tax revenue, and a reliable source of clean, American-made electricity. Learn more about the basics of wind energy here: Wind Energy 101
Siting and Permitting
Arkansas’s wind projects are strategically sited to coexist with agriculture and other land uses, with attention to environmental and community considerations. The state’s regulatory framework ensures that wind farms are developed responsibly, adhering to federal and local guidelines that protect wildlife, historical sites, and other sensitive areas.
Project Pipeline
Located in Cross County, Arkansas, the Crossover Wind project is set to become the state’s first operational wind farm. Originated by the development arm of Vestas, Steelhead Americas, the 135 MW project will be a milestone for Arkansas, marking the state’s entry into the wind energy industry. Located in the Delta Region, the project benefits from the area’s flat, agricultural terrain, which is ideal for large-scale wind development.
The 180 MW Nimbus Wind project, nestled in the mountainous Ozark Region of Carroll County, is being developed by Scout Clean Energy and is slated for completion by late 2025. This project underscores the complexity of wind energy development in more rugged terrains, where community engagement and environmental considerations play a crucial role in the project’s success. If completed as planned, Nimbus will bring substantial economic benefits to the region while demonstrating the potential for wind energy in Arkansas.
Partners in Arkansas
Wind energy growth in Arkansas is driven by key partners like the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association (AAEA), which champions renewable energy through policy advocacy and stakeholder collaboration. Supported by NGOs, educational institutions, and community organizations, these efforts ensure that wind projects are both successful and beneficial to local communities, fostering a strong, sustainable environment for clean energy development.
Arkansas Resources
Wind Energy in Arkansas
Wind Energy 101
Wind Energy in the Mississippi Delta
Wind Energy Permitting
Wind Farms and Agriculture