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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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Google cuts on-site carbon emissions but struggles to contain data center electricity use
Google focuses on reducing carbon emissions, particularly in its data centers. The company achieved 100% renewable energy matching globally, but struggles with data center electricity usage, leading to a 37% increase in scope 2 emissions. Google aims to enhance energy efficiency by utilizing high-performance servers and implementing strategies to cut scope 1 emissions.
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Mainspring Energy announces first reseller partners, channel partnership exec
Mainspring Energy expands partnerships with NextEra Energy Resources and Schneider Electric, integrating its power generation tech with Schneider’s microgrid solution. The company introduces a reseller program to enhance market presence, targeting various sectors. Mainspring also collaborates with Prologis to power a large EV charging depot near Los Angeles using hydrogen-ready linear generators and batteries.
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Lack of power pushes rental increases in major U.S. data center markets: report
Rental prices in major U.S. data center markets are rising due to high demand from public cloud providers and AI companies. Northern Virginia leads in net absorption with 407.4 MW. Despite supply increases, data center availability is limited. Northern Virginia and Chicago saw leasing availability reductions, while Dallas-Fort Worth grew by 31.9%.
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Lack of power pushes rental increases in major U.S. data center markets: CBRE
Demand for data centers in North America is rising due to public cloud providers and AI companies, with northern Virginia leading in net absorption at 407.4 MW. Pricing is surging, particularly in Chicago. Dominion Energy projects in Virginia may alleviate power constraints. Dallas-Fort Worth is the second-largest colocation market, with robust construction and pre-leasing.
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Commercial electricity demand grew fastest in states with rapid computing facility growth
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CBRE acquires Direct Line Global, bolstering data center technical services
CBRE has acquired Direct Line Global, strengthening its data center services. With expertise in design and server support, Direct Line Global caters to tech firms. The acquisition enhances CBRE’s offerings for large technology clients. Similar moves include JLL acquiring SKAE Power Solutions and Cushman & Wakefield appointing David Bukovac for data center management.
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JLL taps Kristen Vosmaer to manage its Work Dynamics data center business
JLL focuses on its data center business with the acquisition of SKAE Power Solutions to enhance technical services. Peter Skae will lead the new division, reporting to Landek. Kristen Vosmaer, with 20+ years of experience, joins from GLP to manage teams and projects. JLL’s Work Dynamics team operates 252 sites globally.
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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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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.