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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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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.
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DeepSeek called a net positive for data centers despite overcapacity worries
US-based tech giants like Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and Google plan to invest a combined $325 billion in capital expenditures by 2025, with a focus on building data centers that will support AI technologies. Meta is building a $10 billion data center in Louisiana expected to consume power equivalent to two nuclear reactors. The growth of AI technologies calls into question the future demand for energy and data center capacity, as efficiency gains could reduce the need for new infrastructure. Liquid cooling systems are being adopted to manage the significant energy consumption of these new facilities, potentially avoiding the usage of millions of liters of water annually.
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DeepSeek called a net positive for data centers despite overcapacity worries
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CBRE facilities management revenue surges over 16% in Q4 2024
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T5 plans five gigawatt-scale data center campuses, announces Chicago campus
US-based T5 Data Centers announced the development of multiple gigawatt-scale campuses, starting with a site in Grayslake, Illinois, designed to support 1.2GW across 20 buildings. The first phase of occupancy is set to begin in 2027, marking a key milestone in their vision to meet customer demand with sustainable solutions.
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DeepSeek, data centers and copper demand | Hotter Commodities
US-based DeepSeek has developed a cutting-edge AI model that reportedly uses less computational power than its predecessors. As data centers proliferate globally, driven by the growth of artificial intelligence, the copper demand is projected to increase significantly, with estimates of copper usage in data centers reaching between 330,000 tonnes and 420,000 tonnes by 2030. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella commented that advancements in AI might paradoxically lead to increased copper demand despite more efficient technology.
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Enel, Meta Announce PPA for Oklahoma Wind Farm
US-based Enel North America announced a new power purchase agreement (PPA) for a 115-MW portion of the Rockhaven wind farm located in Oklahoma. This marks the third PPA between Enel and Meta, building on their existing collaborations from previous wind farms in Nebraska and Illinois. Enel continues to expand its portfolio, executing over 100 PPAs representing more than 7.3 GW of contracted capacity to meet increasing corporate demand for renewable energy.
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Winning construction sectors under Trump
US-based contractors are expected to see a surge in data center construction, with projections indicating a growth forecast of 10% to 20% annually over the next five years. The energy demand for these centers is anticipated to triple within three years, consuming 12% of the national energy usage. Contractors are optimistic about future energy projects due to the push for fossil fuels and nuclear energy.
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Multibillion-dollar data center projects to watch