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Washington Data Center Intel
Latest data center news, projects, power and policy across Washington — updated daily.
Recent Washington 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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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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It's time to GETs going... on transmission!
Oregon has enacted legislation mandating a transition to 80% clean electricity by 2030 and 100% by 2040. This shift is predominantly facilitated by Portland General Electric and Pacific Power, which delivered over half of their electricity from fossil fuels in 2021. As demand surges, driven by AI and electrification, upgrading transmission capacity through Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs) becomes pivotal. The Oregon Legislature has an opportunity to advance this transition with proposed legislation, HB 3336.
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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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CBRE facilities management revenue surges over 16% in Q4 2024
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Four Energy Trends to Watch for in 2025
In 2025, the energy sector witnesses advancements in four major trends: the reemergence of nuclear power, electrified infrastructure, the energy-water nexus, and building resilient power systems. The United States is actively developing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to provide safe and reliable energy sources, with companies like Dominion Energy, X-energy, and Amazon collaborating in this space. Notably, the European Union has mandated that ships connect to shore power by 2030, which could significantly lower emissions. Furthermore, ongoing assessments by the U.S. Department of Energy emphasize managing the relationship between energy production and water resources. The IEEE SA is enhancing standards for energy management and storage systems to improve grid resiliency, showcasing the industry’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
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Data centers drive Modine’s Q3 growth; CEO sees no DeepSeek ‘slowdown’
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Meta Vs. Microsoft: Who’s Leading the Q4 Revenue Game and Net Zero Goals?
US-based Meta has committed to reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% by 2031 compared to a 2021 baseline while maintaining Scope 3 emissions at or below 2021 levels. They have successfully maintained net zero emissions in operations since 2020 and aim for net zero across the entire value chain by 2030. Meta has invested in carbon removal projects and renewable energy initiatives that cut operational emissions significantly. On the other hand, Microsoft is making strides with a commitment to achieving net zero by 2030, expanding its renewable energy portfolio, and focusing on carbon removal projects alongside improving energy efficiency in their operations.
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Meta seeks up to 4 GW of new nuclear power to help meet AI, sustainability objectives
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Meta seeks up to 4GW of new nuclear to power data centers and AI
US-based Meta has announced plans to procure 1-4GW of new nuclear power generation for its data centers and AI operations, starting in early 2030s. The company has released an RFP seeking both small modular reactors (SMRs) and larger nuclear reactors, with proposals due by February 2025. Other tech giants including Google and Amazon have also made similar moves, with Google partnering with Kairos Power for 500MW by 2035, and Amazon signing agreements for SMR development in Virginia and Washington state.