For Immediate Release: November 11, 2026
Media Contact: Lauren McKinnis, laurenm@sewind.org
New 180 MW wind farm brings jobs, tax revenue, and long-term investment to Carroll County
Carroll County, AR - Last week marked a major milestone for Arkansas as the Nimbus Wind Farm officially came online, adding 180 megawatts of wind energy to Arkansas’ electric grid. Nimbus Wind is Arkansas’ second operational utility-scale wind project, following Crossover Wind in Cross County, which began delivering power last November. The project has been under development since 2016 by Scout Clean Energy, which will own and operate the facility. The project features 30 GE wind turbines, among the tallest in the United States, helping deliver reliable, domestic energy while supporting local economic growth.
Nimbus Wind will strengthen Arkansas’ energy security by diversifying its power mix, which currently relies heavily on a small number of sources. In 2025, natural gas generated 38% of the state’s electricity, with coal contributing 29%. Wind turbines consume no fuel once they’re built, so projects like Nimbus Wind can help protect Arkansas customers from swings in natural gas prices and keep energy costs more stable.
Nimbus Wind represents a significant investment in rural Arkansas, bringing both immediate and long-term benefits to the region. During construction, the project created approximately 200 jobs. Now operational, the facility will support 8 permanent full-time positions while continuing to generate economic value for the community. Over its 30-year life span, Nimbus Wind is expected to deliver approximately $15 million in lease payments to participating landowners and $31.5 million in property tax revenue to Carroll County. These funds will help support schools, infrastructure, and essential public services.
“Nimbus Wind shows what wind energy can do for rural Arkansas: good local jobs, steady lease income, and tax revenue to support Carroll County schools and emergency services,” said Madelyn Smith, Senior Program Manager at the Southeastern Wind Coalition. “Arkansas uses nearly 60% more power than it produces, importing a large share of its power supply from out of state. Each megawatt-hour that Nimbus Wind generates is more homegrown power that Arkansas doesn’t have to buy from somewhere else.”
With turbine tip heights reaching nearly 700 feet, Nimbus Wind leverages advanced technology to capture more energy from the region's available wind resource. The project contributes to a broader trend of increasing wind energy development across the Southeast, where states are exploring new ways to meet rising electricity demand and support economic development.
About SEWC
The Southeastern Wind Coalition (SEWC) is a 501(c)(3), nonpartisan organization that works to advance the land-based and offshore wind industry in the Southeast. SEWC focuses on providing fact-based information on the economic and environmental opportunities of wind energy, and encourages solutions that result in net economic benefits to residents and ratepayers. For more information about the Southeastern Wind Coalition, visit www.sewind.org