Entergy Arkansas is to power Google’s planned $4 billion technology investment in the state. The investment will focus on cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure, including the development of a new data centre in West Memphis, Arkansas, the company’s first facility in the state. Google also announced plans for a $25 million Energy Impact Fund to scale and accelerate energy affordability initiatives in the area. The funds will go towards home weatherisation, innovative energy efficiency technology and energy workforce development.
Google will cover the full energy costs associated with powering the facility, which will contribute over $1.1 billion in net benefits over the life of the contract and is expected to help reduce electricity rates for customers by spreading fixed grid costs across more energy projects.
Entergy Arkansas’s strong existing generation power portfolio will be bolstered by a new 600 MW solar project, backed by a 350 MW battery storage system. Google will pay rates that cover the cost of this resource. Entergy Arkansas has filed this resource for approval with the Arkansas Public Service Commission.
