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Kansas Data Center Intel
Latest data center news, projects, power and policy across Kansas — updated daily.
Recent Kansas data center news
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Big Tech's energy-hungry data centers could be bumped off grids during power emergencies
Policymakers and grid operators are proposing rules to allow utilities or grid operators to disconnect large data centers during power emergencies.
- Main action: Several U.S. regions are considering or implementing rules that would let utilities or grid operators disconnect large data centers during power emergencies to avoid widespread blackouts; Texas passed a bill in June ordering standards for power emergencies, PJM (which serves 65 million people) has proposed that proposed data centers may not be guaranteed electricity during a power emergency, and the Indiana & Michigan Power and Google filed a power-supply contract for a proposed $2 billion Fort Wayne data center in which Google agreed to reduce electricity use when the grid is stressed (key contract details remain confidential).
- Background and details: Grid operators such as Southwest Power Pool (serving 18 million people) and Monitoring Analytics warn data center load could overwhelm grids; data centers use backup diesel generators, the Data Center Coalition seeks flexible standards, and advocates like Dan Diorio recommend pairing mandatory actions with financial rewards for voluntary reductions. The surge in demand is linked to AI growth since late 2022 (ChatGPT), and regulators and governors have raised legal and investment concerns about the proposals.
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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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Meta signs on for 650 MW of new solar projects to power data centers
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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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Hydrogen power generation solution launched for data centres
US-based Modern Hydrogen and Mesa Solutions have formed a strategic partnership to provide a hydrogen power solution for data centres. Their solution utilizes Mesa’s new genset running on 100% hydrogen, combined with Modern Hydrogen’s technology that converts natural gas into hydrogen and carbon solids. The modular and scalable solution aims to improve on-site energy generation for data centres while leveraging existing natural gas infrastructure to minimize costs.
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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.