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Virginia Data Center Intel
Latest data center news, projects, power and policy across Virginia — updated daily.
Virginia · Construction & power moves · 40
full tracker →Land, power, and interconnection moves across Virginia — each traced to primary filings.
Recent Virginia data center news
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The utility perspective on equitable ratemaking
State utility regulators investigate equitable ratemaking to protect low-income customers amidst data center growth.
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With load growth and fear of rising utility bills, are low-income customers protected?
Rising data center demand threatens low-income customers with higher energy bills, requiring protective measures.
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Surging data center power demand risks subtracting clean energy from the grid
The rising energy demand from AI, exemplified by Microsoft, Google, and Amazon’s investments, could strain the US grid. AWS’s $650 million deal with Talen Energy for nuclear power highlights potential clean energy diversion from consumers. Policymakers and regulators are urged to address these challenges to maintain grid reliability and carbon goals.
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Data center power loads threaten corporate net-zero goals
Data centers, growing in size and power consumption, challenge corporate net-zero goals. Major facilities like China Telecom’s Inner Mongolia Information Park and North Virginia’s Data Center Alley exemplify this trend. Companies like Microsoft and Brookfield signed a record 10.5 GW renewables deal to address emissions. Experts from S&P Global and Intel highlight efficiency and renewable energy integrations, while new tech investments may reshape the energy mix.
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Data center power loads threaten corporate net-zero goals
Data centers’ high energy demands challenge corporate net-zero goals, driving increased renewable investments.
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AEP data center and other commercial sales soar 12.4% in Q2
AEP’s Q2 commercial sales rose 12.4%, driven by data center demand. The company expects substantial growth, especially in Ohio and Texas. AEP purchased the 795-MW Green Country power plant in Oklahoma and plans to add 20.2 GW by 2033. Earnings dropped to $340.3 million, although operating earnings improved.
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Dominion miss on Virginia efficiency target could impact gas peaker approval
Dominion faces challenges in meeting energy savings targets in Virginia, affecting plans for constructing 250-MW combined cycle turbines in Chesterfield County. The SCC’s decision on using net vs. gross savings impacts this approval. Benforado notes Dominion’s marketing doesn’t drive all savings, urging improved efficiency programs to unlock more customer savings.
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Existing nuclear power plants are best behind-the-meter option for data centers: NEI paper
Data centers could double U.S. electricity demand by 2030. Nuclear plants are sought for colocation deals. Exelon and AEP opposed Amazon-Talen Energy plan, citing increased transmission costs. NEI’s Kormos supports aligning data centers with nuclear plants to ease grid strain and lower renewable curtailment. Constellation Energy backs the initiative for environmental benefits.
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Bipartisan Senate bill proposes $12B for DOE’s AI work to spur energy breakthroughs, other advances
A bipartisan Senate bill proposes $12B for DOE’s AI initiative FASST to improve energy solutions. DOE aims to utilize AI to enhance energy technologies and national security. Sen. Joe Manchin and Sen. Lisa Murkowski introduced the bill, emphasizing the importance of leveraging existing infrastructure for AI advancements.
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Data center, crypto operations in 10 states drive all US commercial power sales growth since 2019: EIA
Data centers in 10 states led 1% growth in US commercial electricity sales since 2019, per the EIA. Virginia, Texas, South Carolina, and Arizona saw significant demand growth, while North Dakota had the highest at 37%. The agency predicts a 3% increase in 2022 sales, influenced by large-scale computing facilities and crypto operations.