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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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US data center electricity demand could double by 2030, driven by artificial intelligence: EPRI
US data center electricity demand is predicted to double by 2030, reaching 9% of nationwide consumption. Growth is AI-fueled, notably AI searches consuming 10 times more power than traditional internet searches. EPRI’s report highlights the impact, mentioning companies like Google and OpenAI, and the need for collaboration in managing this surge.
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US power demand expected to jump 2.7% this summer, plus 5 other takeaways from FERC’s open meeting
US power demand is projected to rise 2.7% this summer, driven by factors like warmer weather and data center expansions. Total U.S. summer capacity is expected to increase by 3.4%, with Northern Virginia, Dallas, Chicago, Phoenix, and Northern California being key data center markets. Battery storage capacity is anticipated to grow significantly. NOAA forecasts a hotter-than-normal summer. FERC is taking action on transmission incentives and clarifying DR aggregation requirements. Invenergy’s complaint was denied by FERC regarding its PJM power plant. SPP’s planning reserve margin process is under scrutiny. NERC’s cybersecurity proposal for protecting against cyber threats was approved by FERC.
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AI’s impact on facility operations and data center demand
Building operators and real estate managers utilize AI and data analytics for enhanced decision-making in facilities management and data center demand, as discussed at RETCON 2024 in New York. Experts like Josh Panknin from Columbia University caution the importance of data quality and structuring problems appropriately. Companies like Carr Properties and Empire State Realty Trust leverage AI for automating processes and improving decision-making. Demand for data center space rises due to AI growth, attracting investments from companies like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, and Google. Land and power scarcity drive up lease rates in key data center markets. Cybersecurity concerns regarding data storage are highlighted by experts like MaryJean Koontz.
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AEP Ohio proposes data center, crypto financial requirements amid 30 GW in service inquiries
AEP Ohio faces significant data center load growth with 30 GW in service inquiries. To address this, proposed tariffs require commitment from data centers, ensuring transmission investment support. Mobile data centers, including cryptocurrency operations, would need to pay increased minimum demand charges. Concerns include potential excess transmission costs for retail customers.
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Data centers boom again, boost construction planning
The Dodge data indicates an increase in data center planning, countering a two-month decline. Construction companies are emphasizing data center projects in earnings calls. Growth in office and hotel construction is slow; education and healthcare planning declined due to uncertain interest rates. Interest rate cuts may stimulate nonresidential project growth.
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Dual-phase immersion cooling can lower future cost of ownership in most cases, case study finds
A study on dual-phase immersion cooling for data centers in different locations found future savings potential. Two-phase cooling had lower 10-year total cost of ownership in present-day scenarios due to lower operating costs. However, its efficiency and costs depend on system design and operation quality, impacting overall ownership costs. LiquidStack CEO Joe Capes highlighted the importance of managing fluid loss for optimal system performance and cost efficiency.
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AEP faces 15 GW of new load, driven by Amazon, Google, other data centers: interim CEO Fowke
AEP anticipates 15 GW of new load from data centers like Amazon Web Services and Google, reflecting a growing demand for electricity. Interim CEO Fowke suggests developing new tariffs to support this growth. AEP plans significant capital investments to enhance grid resiliency and manage the anticipated load growth, which could necessitate additional generation and transmission.
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FirstEnergy may ‘put a little money on the table’ to help end HB 6 bribery litigation: CEO
FirstEnergy CEO Tierney discusses growth potential in states like Maryland, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, emphasizing data center expansion. The company’s proactive capital spending approach, supported by the sale of a stake to Brookfield for $3.5 billion, aims to enhance reliability and customer experience. Regulatory wins drive positive outcomes.
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DPR Construction tapped for Virginia data center job
DPR Construction will work on a new data center project in Virginia. Gensler is the architect, Timmons Group will handle civil engineering, and Chirisa is upgrading its existing facility. The region remains a hub for data centers, with companies like Skanska, Clark Construction Group, and Amazon investing in the area.
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The Future of AI will require an energy breakthrough. The answer is a fusion moonshot.
The Biden administration aims to tackle energy challenges in AI with fusion technology. Lawrence Livermore National Lab achieves milestones in fusion energy, sparking global investments. Success in fusion may enhance AI development. The US is called to pursue a moonshot approach for large-scale fusion reactors, promising a transformative energy future.