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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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Lack of power pushes rental increases in major U.S. data center markets: CBRE
Demand for data centers in North America is rising due to public cloud providers and AI companies, with northern Virginia leading in net absorption at 407.4 MW. Pricing is surging, particularly in Chicago. Dominion Energy projects in Virginia may alleviate power constraints. Dallas-Fort Worth is the second-largest colocation market, with robust construction and pre-leasing.
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Commercial electricity demand grew fastest in states with rapid computing facility growth
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CBRE acquires Direct Line Global, bolstering data center technical services
CBRE has acquired Direct Line Global, strengthening its data center services. With expertise in design and server support, Direct Line Global caters to tech firms. The acquisition enhances CBRE’s offerings for large technology clients. Similar moves include JLL acquiring SKAE Power Solutions and Cushman & Wakefield appointing David Bukovac for data center management.
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AI, data center electricity demand could drive advanced nuclear investment: NERC head Jim Robb
NERC CEO Jim Robb highlighted the increasing electricity demand from data centers, with their anticipated growth to 35 GW by the end of the decade. Equinix’s Christopher Wellise emphasized their critical role in the economy. To address this demand, Robb suggested advanced nuclear technologies, championed by industry giants like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos.
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US data center electricity demand could double by 2030, driven by artificial intelligence: EPRI
US data center electricity demand could double by 2030, reaching 9% of the nation’s electricity generation, driven by artificial intelligence, per the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). EPRI’s study highlights AI’s increased computing power consumption, with OpenAI’s ChatGPT using 2.9 Wh compared to traditional search’s 0.3 Wh. Virginia and Texas lead U.S. data center load among 15 states. EPRI calls for collaboration for sustainable energy to meet AI’s needs.
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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.