California Data Center Intel

Recent California data center news

• Jun 25, 2025

  Data Centers and Water Consumption

  Miguel Yañez-Barnuevo reports that rapid expansion of data centers — especially AI-focused facilities — is increasing freshwater withdrawals and putting nearby communities and water systems at risk.

  • Main announcement: Data center water demand is rising with energy and AI growth: individual large facilities can use up to 5 million gallons per day (≈1.8 billion gallons per year), U.S. data centers numbered 5,426 and consumed 163.7 billion gallons annually (2021); a federal report estimated ~211 billion gallons indirect water consumption from electricity in 2023. The article documents sources of water demand (on-site cooling, power-plant water use, chip manufacturing) and links this rise to higher chip densities and AI workloads.
  • Background and technical details: The piece explains water accounting via WUE (Water Usage Effectiveness) (average ~1.9 liters/kWh; “0” is ideal), notes ~80% of withdrawn water typically evaporates, and describes cooling options (closed-loop, free cooling, air cooling, direct-to-chip and immersion cooling) and supply options (recycled/gray water vs. blue freshwater). It cites regional impacts (Northern Virginia: ~300 data centers; Loudoun County used ~900 million gallons in 2023) and sector-wide forecasts (data centers could use up to 1,050 TWh of electricity by 2030).
• Jun 17, 2025

  Onsite Generation Expected to Fully Power 27% of Data Center Facilities by 2030

  Bloom Energy released a mid-year update to its 2025 Data Center Power Report revealing that data centers are increasingly adopting onsite power as primary energy amid grid delivery delays.

  • Main announcement: Bloom Energy’s mid-year update reports that power availability is now the leading factor in data center site selection (84% ranked it among top three). The report finds utility timelines can be up to 2 years longer than developers expect, and forecasts 38% of facilities to use some onsite generation for primary power by 2030, with 27% expecting to be fully powered onsite by 2030 (up from 1% last year). The median data center size is projected to grow from ~175 MW to ~375 MW over the next 10 years.
  • Background and details: The update is based on a survey of ~100 decision-makers collected from April 2024 to April 2025, sampling hyperscalers, colocation developers, utilities, and GPU service providers. Bloom reports it has deployed 1.5GW of low-carbon onsite power across ~1200 installations, and emphasizes solutions with fast deployment timelines, low emissions, and reliability to meet AI workloads. The release is a press announcement published via Business Wire and includes forward-looking statements referencing SEC filings.
• May 19, 2025

  Novel data streaming software chases light speed from accelerator to supercomputer

• Apr 25, 2025

  Planet TV Studios’ 'New Frontiers' Spotlights Companies Shaping Their Industries - Airing April 26, 2025 on Bloomberg TV - The content in the episode is a Planet TV Studios Original & it is brought to you by & sponsored by Planet TV Studios

  Planet TV Studios presents its documentary series episode “New Frontiers” focusing on companies driving impactful innovation in sustainability, healthcare, and infrastructure.

  • Hollobus Technologies pioneers sustainable data centers with liquid-cooling systems and on-site renewable energy reducing energy and carbon footprint.
  • Mirion Technologies enhances safety in medical imaging and radiation use with advanced monitoring and shielding products.
  • MonDak Portables, LLC offers eco-friendly portable infrastructure with rapid deployment for disaster relief incorporating sustainable waste management.
  • NeOnc Technologies Holdings, Inc. innovates brain cancer treatment with intranasal drug delivery bypassing blood-brain barrier, utilizing NEO100 nasal spray.
  • The episode aired on April 26, 2025, on Bloomberg TV and is available on multiple streaming platforms.

  This episode underscores practical and sustainable technological advances influencing health, environmental stewardship, and infrastructure.

• Apr 25, 2025

  Musk Aims to Expand Polluting Data Center Near Historically Black Neighborhoods

  Elon Musk’s AI company xAI is expanding a data center named Colossus in Memphis, TN, next to historically Black neighborhoods.

  • The data center runs on 35 methane gas-powered turbines emitting nitrogen oxide and other toxic chemicals, reportedly without legal permits.
  • Local environmental justice activists and Tennessee state representatives accuse xAI and Elon Musk of perpetuating environmental racism and violating residents’ right to clean air.
  • The Shelby County Health Department held hearings focusing on the lack of permits and expansion plans.
  • Local officials including Memphis Mayor Paul Young have proposed earmarking $15 million in tax proceeds from xAI’s operations to the community, a move criticized as insufficient by local leaders.
    This case highlights ongoing issues of environmental justice, permit compliance, and community health implications amid AI infrastructure expansion.
• Apr 25, 2025

  AI in Events: At what environmental cost?

  This article discusses the environmental impact of AI technology specifically within the events industry context.

  • AI data centers consume about 2% of global electricity, projected to more than double by 2030, significantly impacting energy demands.
  • AI data centers also use large amounts of water for cooling, comparable to a 500ml bottle for 20-50 AI chatbot questions.
  • Companies like Google have seen emissions rise nearly 50% since 2019 due to data centers, impacting net zero goals.
  • Event professionals express concerns about AI trends increasing digital emissions, urging responsible AI use.
  • Calls for industry collaboration and government regulation to mitigate AI’s environmental footprint.

  The article highlights the need for balancing AI innovation with sustainability efforts in the events sector.

• Apr 24, 2025

  VanTran and MGM Transformers Strengthen U.S. Energy Supply Chain with Texas Expansion

  MGM Transformers and VanTran Transformers have opened a new 430,000 sq. ft. advanced manufacturing facility in Waco, Texas.

  • The new plant is projected to create 700 high-quality American jobs over five years.
  • This expansion increases domestic production capacity by over $1 billion annually, focusing on liquid-filled transformers for data centers, renewable energy, EV charging, and utilities.
  • The combined company aims to reduce lead times, enhance US energy infrastructure, and advance electrification goals.
  • The facility strengthens national supply chain resilience by reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
    This expansion reinforces US industrial resilience and supports energy transition infrastructure initiatives.
• Apr 23, 2025

  R-Zero Filtration Wins "Most Disruptive Technology" Award at Data Center World 2025

  R-Zero received the “Most Disruptive Technology” award at Data Center World 2025 Innovation Challenge.

  • The smart filtration platform achieves 10-15% fan energy reduction and extends filter lifespan by 2–3 times, reducing material and maintenance costs.
  • Offers drop-in compatibility with existing HVAC systems (RTU and AHU racks) with no construction or downtime needed.
  • Optimized for energy-intensive environments like data centers, helping reduce static pressure, energy use, and maintenance load.
  • Provides continuous validation of indoor air quality and energy savings when paired with monitoring systems.
  • The technology supports a payback period under two years and mitigates harm to wiring and circuit boards, improving uptime.
  • The platform integrates real-time occupancy data to optimize ventilation, cutting HVAC energy use by up to 30%.
• Apr 23, 2025

  Trina Storage North America and FlexGen Partner to Deliver 371 MWh Grid-Scale Energy Storage System in Houston, Texas

  Trina Storage partners with FlexGen to deploy a 371 MWh battery energy storage system in Houston, Texas.

  • The project represents Trina Storage’s largest grid-scale deployment in North America.
  • FlexGen provides system integration and its HybridOS™ energy management software for optimized operational efficiency.
  • The project involves equity and tax offtake partners including Macquarie and KeyBank, supporting investment confidence.
  • Trina Storage’s Elementa 2 solution and FlexGen’s software aim to enhance grid reliability and accelerate energy storage deployment.
    This collaboration reflects growing demand and advancements in flexible energy storage in North America, positioning the partners at the forefront of the energy transition.
• Apr 22, 2025

  Alberta prioritizing U.S. data center needs, former deputy minister says