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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.
Top JUST IN — Virginia
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PJM proposes reliability standards for large-load ride-through (no docket)
Source: PJM Inside Lines · Sep 10, 2026PJM Inside Lines reports that PJM has proposed new interconnection reliability requirements for large loads, including data centers and crypto-mining facilities, to require facilities to stay connected during grid disturbances and “riding through” voltage and frequency excursions. The article says the proposal responds to a June 18 FERC order and that “PJM plans to file proposed solutions to FERC in November.”
Backed by 1 primary filing — sign in or book a call to see all sources.
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PJM, Dominion Review Large Load Transfer Event
Source: PJM Inside Lines · Aug 11, 2026PJM Inside Lines reports that PJM is reviewing changes to interconnection reliability requirements for Large Loads after a July 22 event in Virginia in which “nearly 4,000 MW of data center load trip offline unexpectedly.” The article also says FERC ordered NERC to create enforceable Reliability Standards for computational loads and that the first phase of new enforcement provisions is due Dec. 31, 2026.
Backed by 1 primary filing — sign in or book a call to see all sources.
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Opening Statement of Commissioner Christie to House Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security
Source: FERCFERC Commissioner Christie warned that U.S. grid reliability faces “potentially catastrophic consequences” as “unprecedented forecasts for demand increases” from “data centers, including Artificial Intelligence (AI)” collide with fast-retiring dispatchable generation and policy pressure. In PJM, he said, “PJM faces unprecedented load growth due to the proliferation of data centers,” while also noting that EPA power-plant rules could “forcibly” accelerate coal retirements and make new gas generation “extremely difficult, if not virtually impossible” to build. Christie also said the PJM interconnection queue “largely consists of intermittent generation, primarily wind and solar,” and that legal challenges are delaying needed natural-gas pipeline infrastructure.
Backed by 1 primary filing — sign in or book a call to see all sources.
Recent Virginia data center news
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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.
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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.
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Data center supply, construction surged in 2024 amid AI boom
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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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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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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.