Rendering of Vicksburg Advanced Power Station
Vicksburg is once again becoming a cornerstone of Mississippi’s energy future as Entergy Mississippi begins construction on the Vicksburg Advanced Power Station — a cutting-edge, $1.2 billion investment designed to replace aging natural gas generation facilities with modern, highly efficient technology.
Located on the site of the former Baxter Wilson Steam Electric Station, the 754-megawatt combined-cycle combustion turbine facility will serve as one of three major new power generation projects, alongside the Delta Blues Advanced Power Station in Greenville and the Traceview Advanced Power Station in Ridgeland. Together, these facilities will strengthen Entergy Mississippi’s ability to deliver reliable, efficient, and affordable energy to more than 459,000 customers across the state.
“Vicksburg is one of the four original cities we began serving in 1923, and we’re proud to continue our legacy here with the Vicksburg Advanced Power Station,” said Haley Fisackerly, president and CEO of Entergy Mississippi. “We’re building new natural gas plants in our service area for the first time in more than 50 years. By taking advantage of the economic growth happening in our region, we’re bringing modern generation technology online sooner while minimizing the impact on customers’ bills.”
The advanced facility will use state-of-the-art combined-cycle combustion turbine technology that primarily operates on natural gas but is designed to support blended hydrogen in the future. This flexibility not only ensures the plant’s efficiency and reliability but also positions Mississippi to adapt to evolving clean energy standards.
Replacing older, less efficient power plants is expected to bring long-term savings to customers. Modern natural gas plants are about 40% more fuel-efficient than those built decades ago, leading to significant cost reductions over time. Entergy estimates that these new facilities will generate around $700 million in fuel savings over their lifespan.
The company’s decision to move forward with construction now also delivers near-term financial advantages. Entergy projects an estimated $1.3 billion in savings on materials and equipment compared to the cost of delaying construction, thanks to proactive planning amid rising inflation and supply costs.
“These upgrades are not only important to keeping bills affordable for customers, but also to making sure we have the capacity to promote economic development, recruit new and higher-paying jobs, and power residential, commercial, industrial, and technology growth for Mississippi’s future,” Fisackerly added.
In addition to energy savings, the Vicksburg Advanced Power Station will have a lasting economic impact on Warren County and the surrounding region. Construction will create more than 560 jobs over the next several years, and Entergy will employ about 21 full-time staff members to operate the facility once it’s complete. The new plant will also contribute valuable tax revenue to support local services and infrastructure.
From left: Stamps, B. Thompson, Marsh, Reeves, Fisackerly, W. Thompson, Barfield
“The contribution of Entergy’s newest power plant goes far beyond generating electricity,” said Kelle Barfield, president of the Warren County Board of Supervisors. “Reliable, affordable electricity is important to existing customers, but it is crucial in recruiting new business and industry to Warren County. The plant will also return vital revenues to the tax base for the county, which helps support county services for all residents.”
The project is part of Entergy’s broader Superpower Mississippi initiative — the largest grid modernization effort in the company’s history. This plan includes new power generation, major grid upgrades, and efforts to keep customer rates affordable while expanding Mississippi’s energy capacity for decades to come.
Governor Tate Reeves commended Entergy’s investment, calling it a pivotal step forward for the state. “Today, we are in a global race to secure leadership in the emerging industries of the future – and one of the most critical ingredients in this race is energy,” said Governor Reeves. “Entergy’s massive $1.2 billion investment will help us further solidify Mississippi as a leader in American energy production. This is another historic day for energy and economic development in Mississippi.”
De’Keither Stamps, Mississippi Public Service Commissioner for the central district, also praised the move. “I’m encouraged to see Entergy Mississippi moving into the next phase of its Superpower Mississippi plan, with a clear focus on generating power that’s both efficient and affordable,” Stamps said. “As utility costs continue to rise nationwide, it’s important that Mississippians see real savings and reliable service here at home. By working with large industrial customers to share costs and drive new economic growth, Entergy is helping ensure lower rates and stronger reliability for all customers.”
Fisackerly emphasized that Entergy’s approach aligns with Mississippi’s long-term growth strategy. “Our reliability effort announced last month, combined with this additional commitment to new power generation sources, means our Superpower Mississippi plan is bringing more power and better power to customers — all at a lower cost,” he said. “Thanks to the support from Governor Reeves, the Mississippi Legislature, the Public Service Commission, and local leaders like those in Warren County, all customers will benefit from these investments that power Mississippi’s growth.”
As the Vicksburg Advanced Power Station begins to take shape, it stands not only as a state-of-the-art energy facility but also as a symbol of Mississippi’s forward momentum — a bridge between the legacy of its industrial past and the promise of a stronger, more efficient energy future.
For more information about Entergy Mississippi’s Superpower Mississippi initiative, visit www.entergymississippi.com/superpowerms.