This Week in Data Center News 7.21.25

The data center industry is experiencing rapid transformation due to significant progress in legislation, technology, and infrastructure. Recent global trends highlight a shift in corporate focus, with considerable investments in advanced facilities and groundbreaking initiatives to redefine data center energy procurement. This data center news report provides a brief summary of key developments from Vantage in Nevada, Blackstone and CoreWeave in Pennsylvania, Hyperscale in Michigan, and xAI in Tennessee, demonstrating how innovation, investment strategies, and emerging legislation are collectively influencing data center operations.

Vantage invests $3 billion for 224 MW AI campus development in Nevada

Vantage Data Centers announced a $3 billion investment to construct a new 224MW AI-focused data center campus, NV1, in Storey County, Nevada. Spanning 137 acres, the facility will feature four multi-story data centers, advanced cooling systems, and support for high-density and GPU loads, catering to the growing demand for AI infrastructure. The first two buildings are already leased, with the initial facility expected to be operational by Q2 2026.

Built with sustainability in mind, NV1 aims to achieve LEED certification and maintain industry-leading water usage efficiency using a closed-loop chiller system. Additionally, the project will create over 1,200 jobs and contribute to the local economy. This marks Vantage's eighth North American market, reinforcing its position as a leader in hyperscale data center development.

Blackstone pledges $21 billion in data center investment in northern Pennsylvania

Energy and tech companies recently announced a $93 billion investment aimed at positioning Pennsylvania as a hub for AI development and innovation. The projects include building new natural gas plants, expanding nuclear energy initiatives, upgrading hydroelectric power, enhancing the electrical grid, and funding workforce development programs. Companies like Google, Meta, and Anthropic are also contributing to AI training initiatives. However, the reliance on fossil fuels for powering AI has sparked environmental protests, with critics warning of increased carbon emissions and higher electricity costs.

Gov. Josh Shapiro supports renewable energy initiatives, proposing that 35% of Pennsylvania's energy come from renewable sources by 2035. Despite political support, many of the proposed projects depend on external investments, federal subsidies, and regulatory changes, raising questions about their feasibility. While industry leaders are optimistic about the potential for economic growth and job creation, concerns remain over the state’s renewable energy transition and the environmental impact of these developments.

CoreWeave announces $6 billion data center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with an initial 100 MW capacity

CoreWeave, a GPU cloud provider, is investing $6 billion into AI data centers in Lancaster County, marking the largest business investment in the county's history. The project will transform two former printing facilities spanning 2 million square feet into state-of-the-art AI data centers, creating over 600 jobs, including 175 high-tech positions.

Local leaders, including Lancaster County Commissioner Josh Parsons, emphasized the significance of this investment, highlighting the positive economic impact on an area with a 3% unemployment rate and the importance of reusing industrial sites instead of farmland. This historic investment positions Lancaster County as a hub for technological innovation and bridges its industrial legacy with a tech-driven future.

Hyperscale Data announces prioritization of its 396 MW AI campus in Michigan

Hyperscale Data, Inc. has announced a strategic roadmap to fully build out its Michigan data center campus, optimized for AI, to a capacity of 340 MW by 2029. Currently operating at 30 MW, the company plans to reach 70 MW over the next 20 months and gradually expand to meet growing demand for AI, machine learning, and high-performance computing. This phased development aligns with industry trends and includes agreements with local utilities for increased power supply.

To support this growth and maintain financial flexibility, Hyperscale Data has filed a $125 million shelf registration but does not plan an immediate capital raise. The company is focused on transitioning into a dedicated AI data center platform, reducing debt, and streamlining operations. Hyperscale’s developments aim to position the company as a key player in the evolving AI infrastructure space.

xAI purchases former Duke Energy power plant next to its data center in Memphis, Tennessee

xAI has acquired a former Duke Energy site in Southaven, Mississippi, located at 2875 Stanton Road near the Tennessee-Mississippi border. The purchase was executed through MZX Tech LLC, a company connected to xAI, as confirmed by DeSoto County property records. While the property was formally purchased for $10 cash and additional considerations, xAI's plans for the site reportedly include operating and maintaining transmission lines and other related facilities.

xAI's Chief Financial Officer, Michael Liberatore, signed a transmission line easement agreement, further solidifying xAI’s involvement with this property. This acquisition marks another step in xAI's operational expansion strategy.

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