Clinton Foundation Backs Little Rock Sustainable Energy District

Little Rock will establish a sustainable energy district to lower costs and emissions. The Clinton Foundation, the city, and ENFRA are collaborating on the Clinton Sustainable Energy District (CSED) in downtown Little Rock. Announced September 25th, the project centers around a 5-megawatt solar array in Russellville. It will supply efficient cooling via a central thermal energy network to buildings like the Clinton Center and City Hall. The energy upgrades, totaling over $30 million, should cut utility expenses by 40%. Cherokee Nation Businesses leases the land for the solar array. The array is projected to offset all carbon emissions from the expanded Clinton Center campus. Little Rock is also building a 4.9-megawatt solar field at the Port of Little Rock. This field is expected to power about 70% of the city's operations. The Clinton Foundation hopes the CSED will serve as a model for other cities. The project demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility. The partnership aims to create a replicable model for sustainable energy projects nationwide. The Russellville solar array is expected to be operational by late 2026.