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Maryland Data Center Intel
Latest data center news, projects, power and policy across Maryland — updated daily.
Recent Maryland data center news
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Potential Energy: Is BESS the Answer to Data Centers’ Gridlocked Future?
De Gaulle Fleurance hosted a webinar on the evolving role of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Europe’s decarbonization efforts.
- Confirmed facts & project data: The webinar featured legal and energy experts from France, Belgium, Poland, and the UK; RTE projects renewable output could reach 320 TWh by 2035; battery capacity grew from <50 MW to 1.07 GW in five years, with >7 GW of projects holding grid access rights; the EU added 11.9 GW of BESS last year and the U.S. reported a 34% storage increase as of March 2024; identified vendors include ZincFive, Schneider Electric, Eaton, EPC Power, and Vertiv; U.S. states with SGIPs: California, New York, Maryland, New Jersey and other supportive states include Virginia, Oregon, Iowa, Texas.
- Costs, policies & planned initiatives: Reported average BESS cost $400–$600 per kWh (Exenell); U.S. is on track to install ~15 GW in 2025 (~25% increase over 2024) (projection); NESO’s connections reform is expected/hopecasting to unlock £40 billion ($53 billion) per year (anticipated); regulatory milestones cited include FERC Order No. 841 (2020) allowing batteries in wholesale markets and EU measures like VAT exemptions and tariff waivers; distinctions noted between confirmed deployments (installed GW) and planned/projection figures (15 GW in 2025, NESO investment expectations).
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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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Sunraycer Renewables Closes $475mm Project Financing Facility with MUFG Bank, Ltd., Nomura Securities International, Inc. and Norddeutsche Landesbank Girzonentrale
Sunraycer Renewables LLC, a leading developer of clean energy sites, has closed a $475 million project financing facility with MUFG Bank, Nomura Securities International, and Norddeutsche Landesbank. This financing will support the construction and operation of two solar and battery energy storage projects in Texas, named Gaia and Midpoint, totaling 241 MWac of solar and 125 MWac of storage. Both projects are slated to start commercial operations later this year, responding to the growing demand for energy in the region.
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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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AlphaGen Proposes 450 MW of Additional High-Reliability Generation Across PJM
AlphaGen, a power infrastructure management firm, submitted plans for 450 megawatts (MW) of additional electric generation at four existing power stations in Maryland, New Jersey, and Ohio. This submission was part of the PJM’s Reliability Resource Initiative (RRI), aimed at enhancing reliable electric generation infrastructure. The planned projects include a significant 300+ MW increase from natural gas-fueled units in New Jersey, capable of powering approximately 250,000 homes. This initiative reflects the rising demand for electricity driven by factors including electrification and the growth of data centers.
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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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🌎 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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POWER Announces Debut of New Data Center POWER eXchange (DPX) Conference Focused on Power Demand for Digital Transformation
US-based POWER magazine has announced the launch of the Data Center POWER eXchange (DPX), a one-day summit scheduled for October 28, 2025, in Denver. This event focuses on the critical power demands of data centers and aims to bridge the gap between the energy sector and the rapidly growing data center industry. Attendees will engage in discussions about evolving power landscapes, investment strategies, and regulatory challenges to support data center energy demand, with electricity consumption projected to rise significantly by 2030. The platform will bring together leaders from utilities, technology firms, and data center owners to address challenges related to energy supply and stability.
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The SMR Gamble: Betting on Nuclear to Fuel the Data Center Boom
US-based tech giants including Microsoft and Amazon Web Services have committed significant investments to advance nuclear power as a solution to their growing energy demands from AI-driven data centers. Microsoft and Constellation Energy invested $1.6 billion to restart the Three Mile Island nuclear plant, targeting a 2028 reopening. Additionally, Google signed an agreement with Kairos Power to develop a 500-MW fleet of small modular reactors by 2035. Amazon announced plans to back multiple SMR projects totaling 5 GW in energy capacity, indicating a strong industry push towards nuclear solutions to meet sustainability targets.
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It's time to GETs going... on transmission!
Oregon has enacted legislation mandating a transition to 80% clean electricity by 2030 and 100% by 2040. This shift is predominantly facilitated by Portland General Electric and Pacific Power, which delivered over half of their electricity from fossil fuels in 2021. As demand surges, driven by AI and electrification, upgrading transmission capacity through Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs) becomes pivotal. The Oregon Legislature has an opportunity to advance this transition with proposed legislation, HB 3336.