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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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Request for Information on Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure on DOE Lands
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a Request for Information (RFI) to explore opportunities for AI infrastructure development on its lands. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance AI capabilities in the U.S. and maintain leadership in the field. The RFI targets industry input on potential development approaches and operational models for AI data centers at select DOE sites, aiming for operational commencement by the end of 2027. Responses to this RFI are due by May 7, 2025.
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Addressing Data Center Growth Constraints Key to U.S. Innovation, Leadership in AI
The article discusses the growing demand for data centers driven by AI, highlighting that U.S. data centers will account for 6.6% of electricity consumption by 2028. Key limitations for growth include chip supply, tariffs, and electricity reliability. The U.S. CHIPS and Science Act aims to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing which won’t operationalize until 2028-2029. Hyperscalers are exploring power models to manage the increasing energy needs, with a shift towards renewable sources for cooling and power supply.
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Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. Public Utility Commission Sets Hearing on AI Data Centers’ Impacts on Electricity
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) announced a hearing on April 24, 2025, to evaluate the impact of AI data centers on the state’s electricity infrastructure and economy. PUC Chairperson Stephen DeFrank emphasized the need to protect consumers while facilitating economic growth and technological advancement. The commission will investigate two major data center projects: Constellation Energy’s $1.6 billion restart of its nuclear power plant at Three Mile Island to provide carbon-free electricity for Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services’ $650 million data center purchase near a nuclear plant that will consume energy equivalent to 900,000 homes.
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Landing a data center is worth the environmental tradeoffs, Illinois towns say
The proposed data center by Equinix, Inc., will occupy 340 acres in Minooka, Illinois, requiring 3 million gallons of water daily and 700 megawatts of electricity. This demand constitutes a significant portion of Minooka’s drinkable water allocation. Mayor Ric Offerman stated that the project could generate substantial tax revenue and jobs for the village. However, concerns persist regarding the environmental impact and the state’s commitment to ending fossil fuel use by 2045. Equinix is negotiating to finalize its plans, aiming to begin construction by 2026 and complete the site by 2034.
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Why Geothermal is the Hot Ticket to Low-Carbon Data Centers?
The article discusses the potential of geothermal energy for powering low-carbon data centers.
Tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta are expanding quickly, and data centers’ electricity demand is projected to rise significantly, reaching between 325 and 580 TWh by 2028.
The U.S. Department of Energy revealed that geothermal energy could avoid up to 516 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions by 2050.
Innovations in Enhanced Geothermal Systems are making it feasible for data centers to generate clean and reliable power, potentially supplying up to 15% of power in key data center hubs.
Major investments are being made by companies, including a partnership between Alphabet and NV Energy to secure 115 MW of geothermal power. -
https://cleanpower.org/wp-content/uploads/gateway/2025/03/US_National_Power_Demand_Study_2025_FINAL.pdf
US-based American Clean Power Association, along with several other organizations including the American Petroleum Institute, Alliance to Save Energy, Clean Energy Buyers Association, Nuclear Energy Institute, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, commissioned a study by S&P Global Commodity Insights. The study, titled ‘US National Power Demand Study’, was released on March 7, 2025. It projects a significant growth in electricity demand in the US, driven by manufacturing, data centers, and the electrification of heating and transportation. The study highlights the need for substantial additions to the energy supply, including 60 to 100 GW of gas and over 900 GW of renewables and batteries by 2040. It also emphasizes the importance of energy efficiency and clean firm technologies like advanced nuclear and geothermal in maintaining grid reliability and reducing carbon emissions. The study identifies challenges such as outdated interconnection processes, local opposition, and supply chain constraints, and suggests policy reforms to address these issues. The report also notes that wholesale power prices could be around 20% higher in the short term due to higher gas prices and increased demand.
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Data center supply, construction surged in 2024 amid AI boom
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With electricity price spikes coming, environmental and industry groups pitch reform
Illinois lawmakers and advocates have proposed reforms to stabilize electricity prices amidst projected spikes due to rising demand in summer. Proposed changes include increased energy efficiency targets for utilities and the introduction of time-of-use pricing. The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition aims to enhance grid reliability and has pushed to phase out fossil fuel plants by 2050. There’s a significant focus on integrating energy storage and data center demands into the energy landscape.
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Illinois lawmakers propose 15 GW energy storage target by 2035
Illinois-based legislators proposed HB 3758 and SB 2497 to establish an energy-storage mandate, directing the Illinois Power Agency to procure 15 GW of energy storage by 2035. The bills aim to optimize the power grid and implement a virtual power plant program. It is expected to save consumers $2.4 billion on energy bills over the next 20 years, creating approximately 115,000 jobs and reducing energy emissions by 50 million tons by 2045.
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A Business-Like Approach to Power Generation
US-based Payless Power is focusing on providing reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable power solutions for commercial and industrial (C&I) enterprises, responding to increased demand for on-site power generation. C&I entities are increasingly adopting renewable energy technologies like solar and combined heat and power systems to enhance resilience against utility disruptions. Notably, AtmosZero has developed a steam generating heat pump aimed at decarbonizing industrial steam, exemplified by its installation at New Belgium Brewing. Furthermore, Vicinity Energy has launched eSteam, a carbon-free thermal energy solution, marking a significant step toward sustainability in urban energy management. Companies aim to achieve decarbonization goals while managing resources efficiently.