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Illinois Data Center Intel
Latest data center news, projects, power and policy across Illinois — updated daily.
Recent Illinois data center news
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Climate Change Solutions - July 29, 2025
The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) newsletter highlights recent climate change solutions, legislative updates, and upcoming events.
- Innovative technologies such as AI-driven disaster resilience tools by U.S. National Laboratories and upgraded air filters to reduce wildfire smoke injuries are featured.
- Legislative progress includes the Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act passed by the House, the La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act advancing with job creation and solar capacity details, and the Fire Ready Nation Act advancing in the Senate to enhance wildfire forecasting.
- Upcoming briefings focus on Ohio River restoration and the intersection of AI and climate policy.
- The newsletter also provides links to recordings of the 28th annual Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency EXPO and related policy forums.
- EESI President Daniel Bresette is quoted on energy and AI topics; contact details and social media links for EESI are provided.
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Amazon Scraps €300M New Irish Plant in Blow to State
Amazon Web Services has cancelled plans for a new €300 million facility in Dublin due to power supply and grid connection delays.
- AWS investment cancellation linked to inability to secure timely electricity grid connection, impacting plans for high-tech server rack production.
- Irish government has approved a €112 billion infrastructure plan to 2030 addressing housing, energy, and water constraints; business groups like Ibec and the American Chamber of Commerce emphasize urgent need for infrastructure improvements to support foreign investment and technology sectors.
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Climate Change Solutions - July 15, 2025
The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) recaps recent U.S. climate and energy policy developments, including new legislation, issue briefs, and upcoming events.
- Reconciliation package (P.L. 119-21) signed into law on July 4, 2025, ending or curtailing tax incentives for energy efficiency, renewables, and electric vehicles.
- Congressional committees advanced bills on algal bloom mitigation, precision agriculture, coastal data, and wildfire resilience; EESI published briefs on critical minerals, data center water use, and recapped 60 climate-related hearings from May-June 2025.
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LG Energy Solutions opens LFP battery cell manufacturing plant in Michigan
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Summit Ridge Energy building 5.1-MW solar project supporting Illinois data centers
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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.
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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.
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In case you missed it: Six big solar stories in the news this week
This summary highlights recent U.S. solar energy policy changes, investments, and market challenges.
- The Texas Senate passed a bill imposing permit restrictions, fees, and regulatory requirements on solar and wind projects.
- Apollo and Summit Ridge Energy launched a $400 million joint venture portfolio of solar assets in Illinois.
- Solar cells remain subject to existing import tariffs, clarifying government policy on trade measures.
- Sunnova, a residential solar company, plans to auction $17 million worth of energy storage equipment.
- Idaho Power grid’s largest solar installation supports a data center and includes community workforce scholarships.
- U.S. solar market experts expressed concerns beyond tariffs, including antidumping investigations and labor prevention acts.
The developments indicate ongoing regulatory, investment, and market dynamics shaping the U.S. solar sector.
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Graycor hires construction vet to lead Southwest division
Graycor Construction has appointed Brett Helm as general manager of its Southwest Division based in Phoenix.
- Helm brings 30 years of industry experience to support the warehouse and distribution portfolio.
- Focus areas include advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, data centers, and strategic portfolio growth.
- Graycor highlights Phoenix’s advantage for data centers due to lower power costs and reduced natural disaster risks.
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Key regional projects by Graycor include Elliot Gateway industrial park, Rinchem chemical warehouses, Mlily manufacturing and distribution facility, and SkyBridge Arizona cargo processing site.
The appointment and focus confirm Graycor’s commitment to infrastructure growth in the Southwest region.
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The AI infrastructure race hits a political reality check
The article discusses the growing demand for energy due to the rise of AI-driven data centers in the United States. Entergy has initiated a $10 billion deal to provide power for a new Meta AI data center in Louisiana, despite facing backlash from environmental groups. Communities are questioning the sustainability of such projects as they demand significant land, water, and electricity, leading to concerns about environmental impact. The piece also highlights the tension between tech firms and local utilities regarding energy consumption and infrastructure adequacy.
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All-of-the above approach necessary for reliable and resilient grid
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) published a report titled ‘A Reliable Grid for an Electric Future’, indicating that electricity demand in the U.S. is projected to rise significantly, driven by data centers and electric mobility. NEMA foresees a 300% rise in energy consumption from data centers and a staggering 9,000% increase for electric mobility by 2035. The report emphasizes the necessity for an all-of-the-above strategy for energy generation, integrating renewables, fossil fuels, and new technologies to manage the projected load growth effectively.