In recent news within the data center industry, a spotlight has been cast on the significant developments occurring in the Commonwealth of Virginia, particularly in the renowned Data Center Alley in Ashburn. This bustling area continues to attract attention from hyperscale and colocation data center companies looking to expand and establish a substantial presence in the region.
One notable investment comes from EdgeCore Digital Infrastructure, which recently announced the acquisition of 120 acres of land in Culpeper Virginia’s Tech Zone for new data center development. This strategic move aligns with the company’s goal of catering to the growing demand for data center campuses capable of accommodating 300+ MW, driven by the increasing reliance on AI and cloud applications. The planned 1.4 million square foot campus is designed to initially support 216 MW of critical IT load, with potential for expansion to 432 MW by 2028. Moreover, EdgeCore plans to implement environmentally friendly practices, such as a closed-loop air-cooled system with minimal water usage, to address community concerns.
On the other hand, Loudoun County in Virginia has taken a different stance on data center development, with the recent delay in decision-making on proposed amendments aimed at constraining data centers. Local residents have voiced their desire for stricter requirements, including greater setbacks from residential areas and individual applications for special exemptions for each data center project. The upcoming Board of Supervisors meeting on July 30th will provide further insight into the direction Loudoun County will take regarding data center development.
In a separate development, PowerHouse Data Centers has broken ground on a massive 800 MW data center campus in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. The first 300 MW substation is under development and set to provide 150 MW by October 2025, with plans for three substations to cater to hyperscale users in the region. This ambitious project aims to meet the escalating data demands of customers, leveraging the strategic location along the I-95 corridor to ensure access to power. With the flexibility to develop multiple powered shells and substations, PowerHouse is poised to accommodate the evolving needs of hyperscale tenants in the area.
Overall, these recent developments underscore the dynamic nature of the data center industry in Virginia, with companies like EdgeCore and PowerHouse making significant investments to capitalize on the region’s strategic advantages and meet the growing demand for data processing and storage capabilities. As technological advancements continue to drive the digital economy, Virginia remains a hotspot for data center expansion and innovation, shaping the future landscape of data infrastructure in North America.
https://www.datacenterfrontier.com/site-selection/article/55126944/land-and-expand-virginia-data-centers – Data Center Frontier: Land and Expand: Virginia Data Centers