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New Jersey Data Center Intel
Latest data center news, projects, power and policy across New Jersey — updated daily.
Recent New Jersey data center news
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A surprise contender for cooling computers: lasers
Sandia National Laboratories, in collaboration with Minnesota-based startup Maxwell Labs and the University of New Mexico, has entered into a cooperative research and development agreement to test laser-based photonic cooling technology for computer chips. This technology aims to regulate chip temperature, significantly reduce power consumption, and increase the efficiency of existing air and water cooling systems. The project focuses on creating micrometer-thin gallium arsenide-based components for this new cooling method, which could have transformative effects on data centers where energy costs are a growing concern.
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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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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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Lawmakers Scrutinize Power Sector’s Future as Surging Demand Raises Alarms
US-based Basin Electric Power Cooperative has raised concerns in Congress regarding the escalating demand for electricity, specifically noting a significant increase tied to AI-driven data centers and industrial loads. They estimate a need for nearly $10 billion in compliance costs due to new regulations alongside an expected 60% increase in rates by 2035. The demand for natural gas is projected to triple from 2024 to 2030, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced natural gas infrastructure to maintain grid reliability. Furthermore, PJM Interconnection’s forecasts predict a summer peak demand of up to 220,000 MW by 2039, driven by demand from emerging technologies and manufacturing.
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Nebius accelerates US expansion, adding up to 300 MW capacity at new data center in New Jersey
US-based Nebius Group N.V. announced the construction of a new data center in New Jersey with a capacity of up to 300 MW. This facility is designed to achieve maximum efficiency and performance, with the first phase expected to be completed by summer 2025. Additionally, Nebius is expanding its capacity in Kansas City and Iceland, utilizing Iceland’s geothermal energy to reduce environmental impact. These expansions are part of Nebius’s strategy to increase its AI infrastructure footprint in the US and Europe.
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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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FERC launches review of generator-large load co-location
US-based Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has voted to launch a review of co-location issues related to power generation facilities and large loads in the PJM Interconnection territory. Notably, Amazon Web Services (AWS) proposed to co-locate its data centre with Talen Energy’s Susquehanna Nuclear Plant, purchasing power in 120MW increments. FERC rejected this proposed interconnection service agreement, indicating concerns over the fairness of PJM’s current rules and requiring justifications or changes from PJM and transmission owners within 30 days.
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https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/38a95939-ae3f-4e6b-8b33-f203cc18e02d/Electricity2025.pdf
The IEA’s Electricity 2025 report forecasts strong growth in global electricity demand, driven by industrial production, air conditioning, and electrification. Renewables are set to meet most of the demand growth, with significant contributions from solar and wind. The report highlights the need for system flexibility and the role of coal and gas in providing it.