【SMM News Flash】 EDPR Announces Long-Term PPA for 250 MWac Arkansas Solar Project

October 19, Entergy Arkansas announced expanded service for Google’s West Memphis campus, proposing 1,000 MWh and 400 MWh battery systems and a power purchase agreement covering 440 MWac from Big Island Solar. Both batteries are expected online in 2028. The plan also includes expanding Galet substation and building two 230 kV transmission lines. Google will cover approximately $600 million in planned investment and the power purchase agreement. The expansion will be submitted to the Arkansas Public Service Commission, with service expected in 2028 subject to approval.

October 19, South Africa’s electricity and energy minister announced that a determination under Section 34 of the Electricity Regulation Act authorized Ekurhuleni to procure 2,400 MW of new capacity from independent power producers. The municipality will remain grid-connected. The mix comprises 1,237 MW of solar, 780 MW of gas, 183 MW of waste-to-energy and 200 MW of innovative technologies. Solar includes 1,137 MW of embedded generation within the city; gas includes 535 MW of wheeled capacity. The municipality estimates approximately R6.2 billion in infrastructure investment, with construction still to be advanced.

October 19, Gansu’s energy regulator revised medium- and long-term electricity trading rules, effective upon issuance. Time-block purchase limits use operating capacity, duration and existing net contracted volumes; sales cannot exceed corresponding net contracts. The previous annual-trading limit clause was deleted. Users with zero net contracted electricity from the following month through year-end may switch wholesale or retail status next month with their retailer’s agreement, settling charges in the nearest settlement cycle. Exiting participants must resolve outstanding contracts. Failure to complete account closure or transfer cited as the reason for exit constitutes exit without valid grounds.