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Arizona Data Center Intel
Latest data center news, projects, power and policy across Arizona — updated daily.
Recent Arizona data center news
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Phoenix GC breaks ground on $70M data center in Mesa, Arizona
Haydon starts $70M data center for Edged Energy in Mesa, amidst a booming regional tech hub.
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It’s time to stop fretting about load growth and get serious about demand-side solutions
Georgia Power’s 2023 plan predicts significant near-term load growth, prompting proposals for natural gas plants and modest demand response. Microsoft challenges these forecasts. Nationwide, data centers and electrification drive demand increases, but fossil-fuel solutions conflict with net-zero goals. Experts like Alison Silverstein advocate for demand-side approaches, highlighting their cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
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EDP Renewables completes 200-MW Arizona solar project for Meta
EDP Renewables NA, Salt River Project, and Meta completed the 200-MW Brittlebush Solar Park in Coolidge, Arizona. The project supports SRP’s decarbonization goals and provides renewable energy to Meta’s data center in Mesa. It also benefits the local economy and is part of SRP’s plan to meet growing energy demand in the Phoenix area.
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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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Commercial electricity demand grew fastest in states with rapid computing facility growth
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US power demand expected to jump 2.7% this summer, plus 5 other takeaways from FERC’s open meeting
US power demand is projected to rise 2.7% this summer, driven by factors like warmer weather and data center expansions. Total U.S. summer capacity is expected to increase by 3.4%, with Northern Virginia, Dallas, Chicago, Phoenix, and Northern California being key data center markets. Battery storage capacity is anticipated to grow significantly. NOAA forecasts a hotter-than-normal summer. FERC is taking action on transmission incentives and clarifying DR aggregation requirements. Invenergy’s complaint was denied by FERC regarding its PJM power plant. SPP’s planning reserve margin process is under scrutiny. NERC’s cybersecurity proposal for protecting against cyber threats was approved by FERC.
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Microsoft plows $3.3B into data center at former Foxconn site
Microsoft is investing $3.3 billion in a data center at a former Foxconn site in Mount Pleasant. The project aims to create 2,300 jobs by 2025. To address power constraints, Microsoft is partnering with National Grid Renewables to build a 250-megawatt solar project in Wisconsin. The data center will utilize a closed-loop cooling system to recycle water, addressing environmental concerns. Builders and contractors like MasTec and Jacobs Solutions are eyeing opportunities in this expanding sector.
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Baldy Mesa solar + storage project now online and supporting Amazon operations
The Baldy Mesa solar + storage project in Southern California, a 150-MW solar/75-MW storage project enabled by Amazon and developed by AES, is now operational. Amazon’s AI technologies using AWS are optimizing battery usage. It is part of Amazon’s commitment to sustainable energy, supporting operations in California and Arizona.
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AI’s impact on facility operations and data center demand
Building operators and real estate managers utilize AI and data analytics for enhanced decision-making in facilities management and data center demand, as discussed at RETCON 2024 in New York. Experts like Josh Panknin from Columbia University caution the importance of data quality and structuring problems appropriately. Companies like Carr Properties and Empire State Realty Trust leverage AI for automating processes and improving decision-making. Demand for data center space rises due to AI growth, attracting investments from companies like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, and Google. Land and power scarcity drive up lease rates in key data center markets. Cybersecurity concerns regarding data storage are highlighted by experts like MaryJean Koontz.
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Microsoft plows $3.3B into data center at former Foxconn site
Microsoft is investing $3.3 billion in a data center project at a former Foxconn site in Mount Pleasant, expected to create 2,300 construction jobs by 2025. To address power constraints, Microsoft will collaborate with National Grid Renewables on a 250-megawatt solar project in Wisconsin. The data center will utilize a closed-loop cooling system to conserve water. Builders are optimistic about the growth potential in the data center industry.