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California Data Center Intel
Latest data center news, projects, power and policy across California — updated daily.
Recent California data center news
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How utilities can accelerate microgrid deployment
The article discusses the expected surge in US electricity demand, which is forecasted to grow by an average of 3% per year over the next five years. Utilities are adopting a multifaceted approach to meet this demand, including the deployment of microgrids. Duke Energy has implemented a solar-powered microgrid in Hot Springs, NC, to enhance reliability in remote areas. Meanwhile, Xcel Energy plans to establish a network of solar-powered energy storage hubs to improve reliability and support clean energy development.
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LS Power Submits Proposal to Add New Generation Supply Across PJM
LS Power has submitted a proposal to construct approximately 700 MW of new generation capacity as part of PJM’s Reliability Resource Initiative (RRI). This initiative seeks to expedite the connection of shovel-ready, high-reliability projects to the grid due to increasing demand and forecasted load growth. LS Power plans to convert two facilities in Pennsylvania and Ohio to base-load combined cycle plants and has projected an investment value of more than $1 billion for these capacity additions.
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Long-Term Load Forecast Update | Data Centers Lead the Way
Enverus Intelligence Research (EIR) updated its long-term load forecast, now predicting a 30% increase in U.S. power demand by 2050. This is a revision from the previous estimate of 39%. The report highlights that the reshoring trend will contribute less than 3% to average load growth, while forecasts for data centers show an average load increase of 41 GW through 2035. Key regions identified for load growth are ERCOT Far West, PJM Dominion, with factors such as oil field electrification and the expansion of data centers driving demand.
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Could geothermal meet rising data center electricity demand?
The Rhodium Group, in a report released on March 11, 2025, explored the potential of geothermal energy to meet the rising electricity demand from data centers due to the expanding use of artificial intelligence (AI). The report suggests that enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) could supply up to 64% of projected data center demand growth by the early 2030s, and in optimal conditions, cover 100% of demand at lower costs than conventional electricity. If AI companies prioritize siting data centers near geothermal resources, geothermal energy could meet 100% of projected demand growth while cutting costs and emissions.
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Consumer Watchdog Calls On CA Senators To Pledge to Leave Public Office If Their Vote For Pathways Western Grid Leads Trump's FERC To Invalidate Clean Energy Laws
Consumer Watchdog has warned California State Senators about SB 540, a proposal that could override key environmental laws including the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). Jamie Court, the President of Consumer Watchdog, highlighted that approval of this bill could lead to the invalidation of California’s clean energy goals, and he urged Senators to resign if that happens. He expressed concerns about the management of California’s energy market potentially falling into the hands of coal interests due to the governance change proposed in SB 540. Court pointed out that the bill risks placing California’s environmental laws under the authority of Trump’s Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which could undermine the state’s existing renewable energy policies.
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The data center decade has arrived
The United States is anticipating a 30% surge in power demand by 2050, primarily driven by the expansion of data centers and the adoption of electric vehicles. Enverus Intelligence Research (EIR) reported a projected 15.83% rise in total annual energy consumption through 2035. The technology sector is entering an unprecedented capital expenditures cycle, with hyperscalers expected to spend over $50 billion annually by the decade’s end. Notably, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) will host a significant data center facility totaling 2.2 GW by 2027.
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Peter Kyle’s speech at the techUK Conference 2025
The UK government, through Guy’s Hospital and innovative firms Apian and Wing, has initiated a drone delivery service for blood samples. This initiative aims to deliver samples for high-risk patients, reducing delivery time from 30 minutes to just 2 minutes. The project has been enabled by the Civil Aviation Authority’s trial extension, aiming to streamline the delivery system to save lives in the face of regulatory challenges. The government is also investing in related technologies under the ‘Invest 2035’ strategy to enhance the health and tech sectors.
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🌎 Gas turbine gridlock #236
Engie recently pulled out of two gas plants in Texas, Perseus and Spenser, due to procurement delays. The White House’s energy abundance agenda and rising electricity demand from data centers highlight the role of natural gas. However, gas turbine manufacturers are facing severe delays, with delivery backlogs extending to 2029. As a result, the gas plant projects are threatened, prompting developers to plan equipment acquisition well into the future.
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Diversified Energy, FuelCell Energy, and TESIAC Collaborate to Form an Acquisition and Development Company to Leverage Coal Mine Methane and Natural Gas for Off-Grid Data Center Power Projects
The United States-based Diversified Energy, FuelCell Energy, and TESIAC announced a partnership targeting data center energy needs by leveraging coal mine methane (CMM) and natural gas to provide as much as 360 megawatts of electricity across Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. This initiative aims to develop an Acquisition and Development Company focused on delivering reliable, net-zero power generation solutions. The partnership emphasizes fast deployment and economic growth, while aiming for a reduction in carbon emissions through efficient energy generation methods. The strategy anticipates the creation of numerous jobs and supports the growth of sustainable energy infrastructure.
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Diversified Energy, FuelCell Energy, and TESIAC Collaborate to Form an Acquisition and Development Company to Leverage Coal Mine Methane and Natural Gas for Off-Grid Data Center Power Projects
US-based Diversified Energy, FuelCell Energy, and TESIAC have entered into a strategic partnership to create an Acquisition and Development Company focused on delivering reliable, cost-efficient, net-zero power from natural gas and captured coal mine methane (CMM) to data centers. The collaboration aims to supply up to 360 megawatts of electricity to data centers across Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. This innovative approach leverages in-basin natural gas production and advanced fuel cell technology to generate on-site, continuous power, enhancing efficiency and reducing carbon emissions while supporting local economic growth.