Entergy Arkansas recently announced it will power Google’s planned $4 billion technology investment in Arkansas.
Google’s investment will focus on cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure, including the development of a new data center in West Memphis, Arkansas – the company’s first facility in the state.
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 help to reduce electricity rates for all Entergy Arkansas customers, the utility said.
“Electric grids operate on economies of scale, so when large customers establish service to power a major new project, they help spread the utility’s fixed costs to operate and maintain the grid over a wider customer base, driving down electricity prices for everyone,” Entergy Arkansas said.
The facility will be powered by Entergy Arkansas’s strong existing generation power portfolio and transmission grid which will be bolstered by a new 600-megawatt solar project, backed by a 350-megawatt battery storage system that will be located in Jefferson County, Arkansas, the utility said.
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, “and the company’s plans will ensure reliability of the system, strengthen the resiliency of the grid, and maintain affordability for customers,” the utility said.
Google also announced plans for a $25 million Energy Impact Fund to scale and accelerate energy affordability initiatives in Crittenden County and the surrounding area as the company shows its commitment to being a good community partner.
The funds will go towards home weatherization, innovative energy efficiency technology and energy workforce development.
