Google's $4B Arkansas Data Center Campus to be Powered by 600 MW Solar Plant
Google is expanding its data center footprint with a new $4 billion 'infinite campus' in West Memphis, Arkansas. This move comes amidst a surge in electricity demand for AI and cloud computing, which is projected to triple by 2030. The project, named 'Project Pyramid', includes a 600 MW solar plant and a 350 MW energy storage system, aiming to power the campus and contribute to Google's sustainability goals.
NextEra Energy is building the new 600 MW solar plant and 350 MW energy storage system to support the Google 'meta' Campus. The campus, spanning nearly 1,200 acres, will house five data centers, office buildings, and cloud and AI infrastructure. Notably, Arkansas has approved this 600 MW solar project, marking Google's first data center 'infinite campus' in the state.
Data centers have been at the forefront of global corporate clean energy procurement efforts. In 2024 alone, over 17 GW of deals were contracted, with U.S. demand playing a significant role. However, Google recently faced scrutiny after removing its sustainability pledge from its website, raising questions about its environmental commitments.
The Arkansas 'infinite campus', powered by clean energy, is expected to reduce power usage during peak hours through demand-response programs, developed in collaboration with Entergy. Despite Arkansas having the highest electric rates in the West South Central region, Google's investment signals a growing interest in the state for data center projects. As AI and cloud computing electricity demand triples by 2030, such investments in renewable energy and efficient power usage will be crucial.
