Google funds a second phase of Entergy Arkansas resources for its West Memphis campus: 440 MW solar PPA, 1,400 MWh of batteries and a substation expansion
What changed
Entergy Arkansas announced on 19 October 2026 a second phase of service for Google's West Memphis data centre campus. Google will cover approximately 600 million USD of planned utility investment plus a power purchase agreement. The package is a 1,000 MWh battery at Driver Solar near Osceola and a 400 MWh battery near Hot Springs (Jones Mill), both expected online in 2028, a 440 MW (ac) solar PPA from the Big Island solar facility in Mississippi County, added after Arkansas Public Service Commission guidance, and expansion of the Galet substation with two new 230 kV transmission lines for the expanded campus. Entergy says the expansion will be filed with the Arkansas PSC and, pending approval, should enter service in 2028. Entergy puts new customer savings at at least 500 million USD over 20 years from 2028, its own estimate. Entergy says the resources will fulfil Google's plan for data centre buildings on the site.
Why it matters Editorial analysis
This extends the pattern of a hyperscaler paying for the generation, storage and wires its campus needs under a dedicated contract, with the regulator reviewing the full terms. For design teams the grid-side scope matters: a new substation expansion and 230 kV lines set the connection timeline. Solar capacity in MW and battery energy in MWh measure different things and cannot be added, and none of these figures is the data centre's IT load.
Questions a buyer should ask
- What IT or facility load does the expanded West Memphis campus plan to draw, and on what schedule?
- What happens to the 2028 timeline if the Arkansas PSC review takes longer or changes terms?
- What battery power rating (MW) sits behind the 1,000 MWh and 400 MWh systems?
Read the original: Entergy Arkansas: Google funds a second phase of Entergy Arkansas resources for its West Memphis campus: 440 MW solar PPA, 1,400 MWh of batteries and a substation expansion (opens in a new tab)
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Related records
- Technology Backup power and energy storage
- Technology Data centre power distribution
- Operator Google
- Category BESS & Energy Storage suppliers
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