Sargent & Lundy, a leader in nuclear power for over 70 years, is supporting Entergy Arkansas’ application to extend operations at Unit 1 of its Arkansas Nuclear One power plant for an additional 20 years. The subsequent license renewal application would allow the plant’s two reactors to continue producing safe, reliable, carbon-free energy into the mid-21st century, pending regulatory approvals.
ANO’s SLR aligns with Entergy Arkansas’ broader Next Generation Arkansas vision for building and sustaining the power infrastructure needed to support Arkansas’ continued growth. As industries expand and new customers choose Arkansas, maintaining and maximizing the output of existing assets like ANO ensures reliable power delivery to meet rising demand while keeping costs low for customers.
As the primary vendor for the application, Sargent & Lundy will complete an integrated plant assessment that includes aging management and environmental reviews, forming the technical foundation for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission submission and review. The firm’s licensing specialists will also coordinate and respond to NRC requests throughout the process.
As the state’s only nuclear power plant, ANO produces approximately 1,800 megawatts, supplying about 56% of the energy consumed by Entergy Arkansas’ stakeholders. Unit 1 began operating in 1974. Unit 2, to be assessed under a separate review process, followed in 1980. Based on the NRC’s review and approval, the Unit 1 pressurized water reactor would be granted a renewal to extend its operating life to 2054. License renewal does not compel continued plant operation, but provides the operator with approval to continue operations if deemed appropriate.
Sargent & Lundy is a pioneer in commercial nuclear energy, backed by a team of engineering professionals with decades of nuclear license renewal experience. The firm is among the longest-standing full-service architect engineering firms in the world and is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in nuclear power, grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, carbon capture, hydrogen power, and conventional power.
Sargent & Lundy is supporting other projects at Entergy’s nuclear plants, including battery charger replacements at Grand Gulf, generator current transformer replacements at Waterford 3, and security Primary Access Point building upgrades at River Bend Station.
