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Virginia Data Center Intel
Latest data center news, projects, power and policy across Virginia — updated daily.
Recent Virginia data center news
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Forging sustainable steel and more: A talk with Nucor CEO Leon Topalian
US-based Nucor Steel has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable steel production by utilizing electric arc furnaces and recycling over 20 million metric tons of steel annually. The company announced a goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions and has partnered with ExxonMobil for a carbon capture and storage initiative that aims to significantly reduce the embedded carbon of its products. Nucor is also investing in advanced nuclear technologies and collaborating with tech giants like Google and Microsoft to explore new energy solutions.
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How much energy will AI really consume? The good, the bad and the unknown
US-based Virginia has seen a significant increase in data-centre construction, which could double electricity demand in the state within the next decade. Virginia is known as the data-centre capital of the world with 340 facilities already established. Experts have raised concerns about the rise in energy usage related to AI training, particularly as big tech firms expand their operations. In Ireland, data centres account for over 20% of the country’s electricity consumption, showcasing a global trend in energy demand. Economic benefits are noted, but so are the potential local impacts on power infrastructure.
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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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U.S. Data Centers’ Power Demand Surges to 46,000 MW: What’s Driving the Growth?
US-based data centers have seen their power demand surge to 46,000 megawatts (MW) by Q3 2024, driven primarily by the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency mining. Texas leads the way, supplying 8,796 MW, followed by Virginia at 6,967 MW. Projections estimate that this demand will escalate to 59,000 MW by 2029, which poses challenges for grid stability and requires significant infrastructure upgrades to meet the rising energy needs.
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LG&E and KU power Kentucky's growth with plans for new generation and battery storage
US-based Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, subsidiaries of PPL Corporation, have announced plans to expand their energy generation capacity in response to Kentucky’s economic growth. They have requested approval from the Kentucky Public Service Commission to build two new 645-megawatt natural gas combined-cycle units and add 400 megawatts of battery storage. These investments aim to meet the growing energy demand driven by new businesses and data centers in the region. The first unit is expected to be operational by 2030, with additional upgrades planned for existing facilities to reduce emissions.
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Modine Secures $180 Million in Orders for Data Center Cooling Systems
US-based Modine Manufacturing Company has secured $180 million in orders for Airedale by Modine data center cooling systems from a new customer who is a leading AI infrastructure developer. The equipment is designed to deliver cost-effective and sustainable cooling solutions while optimizing power usage effectiveness. Production will take place at Modine’s facilities in Virginia and Mississippi, with delivery expected from 2025 to 2026.
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Building Together: AWS and Suffolk Construction
US-based Amazon Web Services (AWS) has committed $1.2 million to expand its renewable energy initiatives in eastern Oregon. The investment will fund a community solar energy program that aims to install rooftop solar systems on nonprofit organizations and community facilities. This project is expected to enhance the local tree canopy and biodiversity while supporting the community’s sustainability goals. The initiative marks AWS’s ongoing commitment to clean energy and environmental stewardship in the region.
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Indiana Michigan Power Receives Order in Large Load Settlement
US-based Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) received an order from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission regarding its large load tariff settlement filed in 2024. This settlement includes commitments from large load customers, such as data centers and industrial clients, to ensure their energy needs are met while also maintaining affordable rates for existing customers. The agreement reflects the energy demands stemming from significant investments in local data center projects by companies like Amazon Web Services and Google, totaling over $13 billion.
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AES Tops List of Largest Corporate Energy Providers Globally by BNEF
US-based AES Corporation has been ranked as the top seller of clean energy to corporations globally in 2024, according to BloombergNEF’s Corporate Energy Market Outlook. This marks the third consecutive year AES has achieved this status, emphasizing its leading role in corporate Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signings. Demand for clean energy has been notably strong, particularly from sectors like AI data centers and advanced manufacturing. In 2024, corporations signed a record amount of contracts, reflecting a 36% year-over-year increase in clean energy demand, rising from 46 GW to 62 GW.
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Data centers and their impact on the US power market
A recent report indicates that the significant growth in data center power demand is reshaping the U.S. energy landscape. Forecasts suggest that total data center power consumption could vary between 248 TWh and 606 TWh by 2030, necessitating an annual addition of 10 GW of new baseload capacity to meet the growing demand. This trend has critical implications for power markets, infrastructure planning, and energy investments across the country.