Getting your news
Attempting to reconnect
Finding the latest in Climate
Hang in there while we load your news feed
Virginia Data Center Intel
Latest data center news, projects, power and policy across Virginia — updated daily.
Recent Virginia data center news
-
LS Power Submits Proposal to Add New Generation Supply Across PJM
LS Power has submitted a proposal to construct approximately 700 MW of new generation capacity as part of PJM’s Reliability Resource Initiative (RRI). This initiative seeks to expedite the connection of shovel-ready, high-reliability projects to the grid due to increasing demand and forecasted load growth. LS Power plans to convert two facilities in Pennsylvania and Ohio to base-load combined cycle plants and has projected an investment value of more than $1 billion for these capacity additions.
-
Long-Term Load Forecast Update | Data Centers Lead the Way
Enverus Intelligence Research (EIR) updated its long-term load forecast, now predicting a 30% increase in U.S. power demand by 2050. This is a revision from the previous estimate of 39%. The report highlights that the reshoring trend will contribute less than 3% to average load growth, while forecasts for data centers show an average load increase of 41 GW through 2035. Key regions identified for load growth are ERCOT Far West, PJM Dominion, with factors such as oil field electrification and the expansion of data centers driving demand.
-
Data center capacity is soaring, along with investment and land use
Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and Google have significantly increased their electricity demand with the rise of data centers amid AI adoption. Meta signed an agreement with Cypress Creek Renewables for a 505 MWdc solar facility in Texas. They aim to match 100% of electricity needs with renewable sources. The average data center size grew over 23% from 2023 to 2024, indicating a shift towards larger AI-driven workloads. Notably, 13 projects exceed $4 billion in costs, contributing to overall capex of $195 billion, with major markets in Virginia and Texas.
-
Could geothermal meet rising data center electricity demand?
The Rhodium Group, in a report released on March 11, 2025, explored the potential of geothermal energy to meet the rising electricity demand from data centers due to the expanding use of artificial intelligence (AI). The report suggests that enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) could supply up to 64% of projected data center demand growth by the early 2030s, and in optimal conditions, cover 100% of demand at lower costs than conventional electricity. If AI companies prioritize siting data centers near geothermal resources, geothermal energy could meet 100% of projected demand growth while cutting costs and emissions.
-
Hitachi Energy invests additional $250 million USD to address global transformer shortage
Hitachi Energy announced additional major investments of more than $250 million USD to expand global production of transformers’ critical components by 2027. The investment aims to meet surging transformer demand as the electrification of industries amplifies electricity needs. This follows a previous $6 billion USD investment announced in 2024, focusing on expanding production capacities across the U.S. and worldwide, with particular emphasis on facilities in Virginia, Missouri, and Mississippi.
-
Diversified Energy, FuelCell Energy, and TESIAC Collaborate to Form an Acquisition and Development Company to Leverage Coal Mine Methane and Natural Gas for Off-Grid Data Center Power Projects
The United States-based Diversified Energy, FuelCell Energy, and TESIAC announced a partnership targeting data center energy needs by leveraging coal mine methane (CMM) and natural gas to provide as much as 360 megawatts of electricity across Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. This initiative aims to develop an Acquisition and Development Company focused on delivering reliable, net-zero power generation solutions. The partnership emphasizes fast deployment and economic growth, while aiming for a reduction in carbon emissions through efficient energy generation methods. The strategy anticipates the creation of numerous jobs and supports the growth of sustainable energy infrastructure.
-
Diversified Energy, FuelCell Energy, and TESIAC Collaborate to Form an Acquisition and Development Company to Leverage Coal Mine Methane and Natural Gas for Off-Grid Data Center Power Projects
US-based Diversified Energy, FuelCell Energy, and TESIAC have entered into a strategic partnership to create an Acquisition and Development Company focused on delivering reliable, cost-efficient, net-zero power from natural gas and captured coal mine methane (CMM) to data centers. The collaboration aims to supply up to 360 megawatts of electricity to data centers across Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. This innovative approach leverages in-basin natural gas production and advanced fuel cell technology to generate on-site, continuous power, enhancing efficiency and reducing carbon emissions while supporting local economic growth.
-
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.
-
Inside the US Data Center Boom: What’s powering the next tech revolution?
US-based tech companies are experiencing a surge in data center demand driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and generative technologies. With data centers expected to triple their share of US power consumption by 2030, firms like Amazon and Microsoft are facing regulatory uncertainties that could impact their infrastructure projects. The anticipated electricity demand from US data centers could reach between 248 TWh and 606 TWh by 2030, necessitating significant new power supply investments equivalent to energizing numerous gas and renewable sources.
-
Data center supply, construction surged in 2024 amid AI boom