This Week in Data Center News 7.28.25

The data center industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by significant advancements in legislation, technology, and infrastructure. Global trends indicate a shift in corporate priorities, with substantial investments in advanced facilities and innovative approaches to data center energy acquisition. This report summarizes key data center news from Vantage in Texas, Atlas Capital in Connecticut, Meta in Texas, Google, and AWS in Virginia illustrating the collective impact of innovation, investment strategies, and emerging legislation on data center operations.

Vantage purchases 1000 acre data center in Shackelford County, Texas

Vantage Data Centers has announced plans to establish a data center campus in Shackelford County, Texas. This initiative, still in its early planning stages, is expected to create at least 250 full-time jobs, in addition to employing thousands during construction and ongoing operations, contributing significantly to the local economy. The exact size and broader impact of the facility remain to be determined, with updates promised as further details emerge.

The company has expressed enthusiasm for becoming an active member of the Shackelford County community, signaling a long-term commitment to the area. Further developments and specifics about the project will be shared as the planning progresses.

Atlas Capital Group to develop 1 million sq. foot data center in Bloomfield, Connecticut

A New York-based developer, Atlas Capital Group, has proposed plans for a 1-million-square-foot data center in Bloomfield, located at 132 Griffin Road North. The state-of-the-art facility would feature over 900,000 square feet of data processing space alongside a 127,000-square-foot substation. Presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission, the project aims to enhance local infrastructure and create 40 new jobs, with utility partnerships currently under discussion.

Town officials have expressed initial support, describing the concept as “worthy of consideration” if it aligns with the surrounding community. This proposal highlights Bloomfield’s appeal as a technology and innovation hub, leveraging its development-ready parcels to attract significant projects.

Meta signs PPA with Enbridge for a $900 million solar project near San Antonio, Texas data center

Enbridge Inc. has announced its 600 MW Clear Fork Solar project in Texas, which will support Meta Platforms, Inc.'s data center operations with 100% renewable energy. The utility-scale solar facility, located near San Antonio, is expected to be operational by summer 2027. With an estimated investment of $0.9 billion, the project is expected to contribute positively to Enbridge's cash flow and earnings per share starting in 2027.

This initiative reflects the increasing demand for renewable energy among major technology companies. Enbridge emphasizes its expertise in renewable development and low-risk commercial models to deliver strong returns. Meta's collaboration with Enbridge further supports its goal of transitioning its operations to 100% clean energy.

Google signs long-duration energy storage partnership with Energy Dome

Google has partnered with Energy Dome to scale their innovative CO2 Battery technology for long-duration energy storage (LDES). This partnership aims to address renewable energy's intermittency by storing excess clean energy for 8-24 hours and dispatching it back to the grid as needed, promoting a 24/7 carbon-free energy future. Energy Dome's systems, already operational in markets like Italy, the U.S., and India, use compressed CO2 to store and release energy efficiently.

LDES technologies can complement traditional short-duration lithium-ion batteries by integrating more renewables into power grids and improving energy reliability and flexibility. Studies suggest that widespread LDES deployment could yield significant cost savings and optimize global energy systems. By supporting Energy Dome's commercial projects and advocating for clean energy policies, Google accelerates the adoption of advanced technologies to enhance grid resilience and sustainability globally.

Amazon Web Services pulls application for a 7.2 million sq. foot data center campus in Louisa County, Virginia after community pushback

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has withdrawn its proposal to construct a 7.2 million square foot data center in Louisa County, Virginia, following significant resistance from local residents. Concerns were raised about potential impacts such as water usage, sound pollution, and the preservation of the county's rural character. Residents felt excluded from earlier projects as the initial AWS data centers were approved without requiring public input through a conditional use permitting process. The introduction of this process now grants the community more say in future developments.

While some locals appreciate the tax revenue and economic opportunities data centers bring, others worry about the strain on resources and the rapid pace of development. Advocates like Savannah Walker, a resident with industry experience, call for more thoughtful planning to balance economic growth with maintaining the county’s character. Louisa County officials view the recent developments as an opportunity for greater collaboration and stricter controls on future projects, even as concerns linger about the long-term sustainability of data center expansion in the region.

News, Tools & Solutions for Data Center Developers

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