Entergy Nuclear is expanding its operations and workforce in Mississippi, creating 70 new jobs at its Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Port Gibson and more than 250 new jobs at its Jackson-based headquarters.
“Entergy’s decisions to locate its nuclear headquarters in Jackson and seek the relicensing of the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Port Gibson continue to pay big dividends for Mississippi,” Gov. Phil Bryant said. “This expansion of the company’s nuclear workforce in our state will create hundreds of new high-tech, high-paying jobs and be yet another milestone toward making Mississippi a hub for the energy industry and the investments that go with it.”
Since 2017, Entergy Corporation has created approximately 170 jobs at Grand Gulf. The addition of the 70 new jobs over the next one to two years will bring the nuclear station’s employment to approximately 890 workers. Additionally, Entergy is upgrading equipment at Grand Gulf.
The addition of more than 250 new jobs at Entergy Nuclear’s Jackson headquarters will double its workforce, which is comprised of professionals who work in a variety of capacities to support Entergy’s nuclear plants in Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas, as well as merchant plants in the Northeast U.S. The new jobs are expected to be filled by the end of this year. Entergy is adding new construction and reconfiguring existing space to accommodate the new employees.
“Our Nuclear Strategic Plan is a five-year business strategy to provide robust governance, oversight and support of the fleet and to achieve excellence in all nuclear operations,” said Chris Bakken, Entergy Nuclear executive vice president. “The expansion of the headquarters building at Echelon allows our growing nuclear team to work in a single location, fostering unity, collaboration and team effectiveness.”
“As we build the utility of the future, we’re also building the workforce of the future,” said Haley Fisackerly, Entergy Mississippi president and CEO. “We’re proud to be able to bring more jobs to the state. Entergy and Entergy Nuclear’s combined workforce in Mississippi will now be more than 2,000 employees.”
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Advantage Jobs Rebate Program in support of the project.
“Entergy Nuclear delivers excellence in energy, environmental stewardship and economic development so MDA is proud to provide support as they bring hundreds of new career opportunities for Mississippians in Claiborne County and at their headquarters in Jackson,” said MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough, Jr. “Mississippi is fortunate to be the home of Entergy Nuclear’s headquarters and Grand Gulf Nuclear Station as the positive impact of these investments will be felt for generations to come.”
In addition to these latest nuclear investments, Entergy has spent $1 billion in the past three years to strengthen and modernize Entergy Mississippi’s electric grid. This includes the installation of advanced electric meters throughout its entire service territory.