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Arkansas Data Center Intel
Latest data center news, projects, power and policy across Arkansas — updated daily.
Recent Arkansas data center news
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Countries are struggling to meet the rising energy demands of data centers
Microsoft set up a data center in Colón, Querétaro, that has relied on gas-powered generators because it could not plug into Mexico’s transmission and distribution network; environmental filings say generators would supply 70% of the center’s energy for 12 hours/day between February and July 2025 and emit CO2 equivalent to about 54,000 average households.
- Main action and specifics: Microsoft opened a data center in Colón (began operating early 2024) and received approval to use seven generators after filing that the grid would not be fully operative for Microsoft until mid-2027 due to “long construction times required in [Microsoft’s] contract with CFE.” Documents state the generators would supply 70% of the data center’s energy for 12 hours per day (Feb–Jul 2025) and produce annual CO2 emissions comparable to ~54,000 households.
- Background and additional details: Mexico hosts ~150 data centers with Big Tech investing over $7 billion since 2020; the Mexican Association of Data Centers estimates 70 additional centers (over $18 billion in investment) over five years and national data centers will require 1.5 GW by 2030. The federal utility CFE has a monopoly on transmission/distribution, the government announced >$8 billion for transmission infrastructure to be completed by 2030 (focused on households), and investment in transmission/distribution fell by 17% and 37% respectively between 2018 and late 2024.
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50 States of Power Decarbonization Q2 2025: States Restrict Plant Retirements and Investigate Emerging Energy Sources
The NC Clean Energy Technology Center released its Q2 2025 edition of the “50 States of Power Decarbonization” quarterly report.
- Main announcement: The Q2 2025 report found 48 states and Puerto Rico took 393 actions related to electric power decarbonization and resource planning during the quarter, and noted 317 introduced bills not yet passed. The report also summarizes planned capacity changes from recently filed or under‑review integrated resource plans: 118,262 MW solar, 98,317 MW natural gas, 50,117 MW wind, 47,258 MW storage, and 44,286 MW planned coal retirements.
- Background and details: The report identifies three Q2 2025 trends: (1) lawmakers imposing conditions on electric generation facility retirements; (2) states researching effects of large load customers (e.g., data centers) on the grid; (3) legislators investigating advanced nuclear and geothermal. It highlights top policy developments in Connecticut, Arkansas, Ohio, Minnesota, Missouri, Maine, and an Indiana executive order; media contact is Shannon Helm, NCCETC (shannon_helm@ncsu.edu).
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We expect rapid electricity demand growth in Texas and the mid-Atlantic
The U.S. Energy Information Administration has announced forecasts of rapid electricity demand growth in Texas and the mid-Atlantic regions for 2025 and 2026.
- ERCOT region (Texas and neighboring states) electricity demand expected to grow by 7% in 2025 and 14% in 2026, driven by new data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities; broader West South Central Census Division sales forecasted to grow 5% in 2025 and 9% in 2026.
- PJM Interconnection region (13 states including Northern Virginia) electricity sales projected to increase by 3% in 2025 and 4% in 2026, with Northern Virginia noted for the highest concentration of data centers globally; forecasts incorporate monthly projections from ERCOT and PJM.
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Climate Change Solutions - July 29, 2025
The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) newsletter highlights recent climate change solutions, legislative updates, and upcoming events.
- Innovative technologies such as AI-driven disaster resilience tools by U.S. National Laboratories and upgraded air filters to reduce wildfire smoke injuries are featured.
- Legislative progress includes the Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act passed by the House, the La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act advancing with job creation and solar capacity details, and the Fire Ready Nation Act advancing in the Senate to enhance wildfire forecasting.
- Upcoming briefings focus on Ohio River restoration and the intersection of AI and climate policy.
- The newsletter also provides links to recordings of the 28th annual Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency EXPO and related policy forums.
- EESI President Daniel Bresette is quoted on energy and AI topics; contact details and social media links for EESI are provided.
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Entergy's 2024 Performance Report shares progress toward a better future
Entergy Corporation, based in New Orleans, Louisiana, released its 2024 Performance Report detailing achievements in growth, environmental sustainability, and community support. The company plans to invest $37 billion by 2028 to enhance its services in the Gulf South, while advancing a cleaner energy portfolio, including commitments to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Entergy’s efforts in corporate social responsibility resulted in an economic impact of $153.52 million in 2024 through various initiatives, including energy efficiency programs for customers.
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Renewable energy could meet the intense appetites of AI data centers. But Entergy is looking to fossil fuels.
US-based Entergy Corp. proposed to build a $10 billion AI data center in north Louisiana, which would require energy equivalent to a third of all Louisiana households. The project promises to create 300 to 500 jobs with high salaries but is criticized for increasing dependence on fossil fuels, as most of its energy would come from new gas-fired generators. Meta, the owner of Facebook, pledges to purchase 1,500 megawatts of solar power to offset some emissions but faces criticism from environmental groups that advocate for more renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuel projects.
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Indiana Michigan Power Receives Order in Large Load Settlement
US-based Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) received an order from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission regarding its large load tariff settlement filed in 2024. This settlement includes commitments from large load customers, such as data centers and industrial clients, to ensure their energy needs are met while also maintaining affordable rates for existing customers. The agreement reflects the energy demands stemming from significant investments in local data center projects by companies like Amazon Web Services and Google, totaling over $13 billion.
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Black Hills Corp. Reports 2024 Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results and Initiates 2025 Earnings Guidance | Black Hills Service Company, LLC
US-based Black Hills Corp. reported its 2024 financial results, highlighting a 4.3% growth in EPS to $3.91. The company increased its five-year capital forecast by 10% to $4.7 billion for 2025-2029, with $1.0 billion allocated for 2025. Significant investments include $350 million for the Ready Wyoming electric transmission expansion project and $118 million for system investments in Kansas Gas. The company also announced new annual revenues from rate reviews: $15 million for Iowa Gas, $25 million for Arkansas Gas, $20 million for Colorado Gas, and $14 million for Wyoming Gas. Black Hills Corp. continues to focus on regulatory and growth initiatives, with a strong commitment to infrastructure investment.
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Solar projects on the horizon for Meta, D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments
US-based D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) and Meta signed two long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) for a 250 MW solar facility in Missouri and a 150 MW solar facility in Texas. These projects, expected to be operational before 2027, add to their existing portfolio in Arkansas, Utah, and Virginia. Meta, a top corporate solar user in the U.S., aims to match its electricity usage with 100% clean and renewable energy.
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Meta To Buy Green Credits from Four Major US Solar Energy Projects
US-based Meta Platforms Inc. has purchased green credits from four major U.S. solar energy projects developed by Invenergy, totaling 760 megawatts of solar electricity capacity - enough to power 130,000 homes. The projects will be located in Ohio, Texas, New Mexico, and Arkansas, connecting to the grid between 2024 and 2027. Meta has also released an RFP for 1-4 gigawatts of new nuclear generation capacity starting in the 2030s.