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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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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.
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Data center vacancy rate hits record low in H1 2024 as power supply challenges persist: CBRE
In H1 2024, data center supply rose but vacancy rates hit record lows due to power supply challenges, reports CBRE. Atlanta led a 26% pricing increase. Significant activity boosts were seen in Austin, San Antonio, and tertiary markets like Mt. Pleasant, Boise, and Cheyenne. Rental rates forecast to rise amid ongoing demand.
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Data center vacancy rate hits record low in H1 2024 as power supply challenges persist
In H1 2024, data center vacancy rates hit record lows due to power supply challenges and longer electrical infrastructure lead times, per CBRE. Atlanta’s under-construction activity rose 76%, leading primary markets. Rental rates are expected to climb. Hyperscale data development is notable in tertiary markets like Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin; Boise, Idaho; and Cheyenne, Wyoming.
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AEP data center and other commercial sales soar 12.4% in Q2
AEP’s Q2 commercial sales rose 12.4%, driven by data center demand. The company expects substantial growth, especially in Ohio and Texas. AEP purchased the 795-MW Green Country power plant in Oklahoma and plans to add 20.2 GW by 2033. Earnings dropped to $340.3 million, although operating earnings improved.
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Data center, crypto operations in 10 states drive all US commercial power sales growth since 2019: EIA
Data centers in 10 states led 1% growth in US commercial electricity sales since 2019, per the EIA. Virginia, Texas, South Carolina, and Arizona saw significant demand growth, while North Dakota had the highest at 37%. The agency predicts a 3% increase in 2022 sales, influenced by large-scale computing facilities and crypto operations.
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US HVAC leaders see Q1 sales growth, production hurdles
Major U.S. HVAC manufacturers, including Johnson Controls, Carrier, Lennox, and Trane Technologies, are experiencing challenges and growth opportunities. Johnson Controls is exploring the sale of its HVAC assets, attracting interest from firms like Robert Bosch GmbH. Carrier and Lennox saw mixed Q1 results, while Trane Technologies reported robust performance, especially in commercial HVAC.