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Ohio has definitively moved from an emerging data center market  to a national powerhouse. A recent economic impact study out of the state confirms what many developers already suspected: data center investments are powerful catalysts for regional economic growth, far exceeding initial job estimates and creating a multi-billion-dollar ecosystem. For data center developers seeking the next scalable, de-risked site, Ohio offers a compelling case study on the financial power of establishing a foothold in Tier 2 markets. However, the study also reveals a crucial caveat: reaching that future growth potential requires moving past simple tax incentives and focusing entirely on infrastructure certainty  and speed-to-market , precisely where proprietary land intelligence becomes indispensable. The Raw Numbers: Data Centers as Ohio’s Economic Engine The Ohio Chamber of Commerce research foundation report  provides concrete evidence of the sector’s financial magnitude. The data center industry in Ohio is not just creating construction jobs; it’s building a long-term economic foundation: GDP Contribution:  The sector contributed an estimated $11.8 billion  to the state's GDP in 2024. Job Creation:  It supported over 95,000 jobs  across construction, operations, and supply chains. Future Potential:  The report estimates that the industry could grow to support 132,500 jobs  and contribute nearly $20.2 billion annually  to the state GDP, demonstrating a clear runway for sustained expansion. These figures establish Ohio as a blueprint for replicating success in other high-potential, power-rich regions across the Midwest and beyond. The economic benefits are immense, but they are entirely contingent on a single factor: uninterrupted, cost-effective power supply, and efficient deployment. The Unspoken Site Selection Imperative The economic impact is clearly impressive, but the study implies a fundamental truth for developers: the multi-billion-dollar contribution only materializes if projects can be delivered on time  and on budget. To reach the projected $20 billion in GDP, developers must overcome the single greatest risk to modern hyperscale projects: power capacity, pricing, and infrastructure readiness. This is where the standard due diligence process fails, and where LandGate’s land intelligence platform provides a strategic advantage. Ohio Data Center Infrastructure, LandGate Platform De-Risking the Grid with Offtake Capacity The economic longevity of a data center hinges on grid reliability. You can secure the best tax incentive, but if you cannot obtain the requisite amount of power without a multi-year wait and extensive infrastructure upgrades, the deal is dead. Instead of relying on broad regional estimates, developers must utilize data that shows the true strain and capacity of the local grid. LandGate's Offtake Capacity data  allows developers to quickly screen thousands of parcels to identify those near high-capacity transmission infrastructure with the greatest available power headroom. This pre-emptive due diligence  is the only way to ensure the speed-to-market necessary to capture Ohio’s long-term economic benefits. Ohio Offtake Capacity Data Layer, LandGate Platform Predicting Long-Term ROI via Geospatial Power Pricing The $11.8 billion in GDP contribution is driven by efficient operations. While Ohio’s deregulated energy market is attractive, power pricing is a volatile, localized variable. A successful site must guarantee low, stable energy costs  over a 20-to-30-year lifecycle. The LandGate platform provides geospatial Power Pricing data  that allows developers to model the projected operational expenditure (OpEx) for every potential parcel . By overlaying transmission costs, commodity pricing, and renewable generation data, developers can move beyond state averages and forecast the true lifetime ROI, ensuring their facility remains an economic asset rather than a financial liability. Fiber and Infrastructure: Identifying the Path to Speed-to-Market The speed at which a data center can go live is directly correlated with its economic impact. The Ohio success story is built on efficient construction and deployment, which requires pre-existing, accessible fiber and strong transportation links. LandGate's comprehensive infrastructure mapping, including Fiber Optics Data  and integrated rights-of-way, enables developers to instantly visualize the connectivity landscape. This goes beyond simple proximity; it reveals the quality  and redundancy  of the fiber network. By quantifying the time and cost required to connect a site to both power and fiber, developers can prioritize those parcels that require minimal infrastructure build-out, thus guaranteeing the rapid development and quick realization of the economic activity showcased by the Ohio study. Ohio Fiber Optics Data Layer, LandGate Platform Data is the New Tax Incentive Ohio’s success proves that data centers are critical infrastructure driving profound economic uplift. For developers, the lesson is clear: relying solely on tax abatement tables is a thing of the past. The ability to guarantee speed-to-market and long-term power stability is the new competitive edge. By leveraging LandGate's comprehensive land intelligence platform , developers can stop chasing incentives and start sourcing certainty, ensuring their next hyperscale project is poised to deliver maximum economic impact and long-term value, just as Ohio's trajectory suggests.

A Collaboration between KPMG and LandGate What Are Data Centers? Data Centers are specialized facilities that store data for businesses and organizations. They consist of a network of computer systems, storage equipment, and a network of servers that support data processing, storage, and distribution. As LandGate data forecasts, the United States data center market is the leading market for data storage and is expected to double its  power capacity by 51.4% over the next decade. This supplements market estimates that indicate that data centers will comprise 8% of US Power consumption by 2030.  Data centers are an essential part of the digital economy while maintaining internet growth and online service demand. Across the market, different types of data centers exist, ranging from hyperscale to enterprise, and colocation projects, offering multiple opportunities for investment into data. Hyperscale data centers  are large data centers, usually owned by a singular organization. These data centers span over 100 acres, with the market average for their size being 400 acres. They are able to store large amounts of data and are often owned by companies with vast data and processing needs. Companies such as Amazon Web Services, Google, and Meta lead hyperscale projects within the US data center market.  Enterprise data centers  are owned by companies to meet the specific needs of their end users. These data centers often exist on data center campuses, and offer multiple opportunities for company employees.  Colocation data centers  are large data center facilities that rent out space to third parties for their servers or other network equipment. Colocation data centers serve to be the most popular type of data center within the market, as it gives companies the opportunity to invest in data storage without having to pay for building, construction, and other miscellaneous costs. It also allows data storage across a multitude of locations.  While colocation facilities have the most market traction, they also prove to be the most profitable data centers across the different types. However, with recent increases in investment into the data center market, the hyperscale facilities are seeing an overall rise in numbers, earning them a close second place to their colocation counterparts.  What crucial details are essential for understanding data centers? The US data centers are some of the largest markets across the world with Texas and Virginia being far ahead of any other market globally. Leading states include Texas, Virginia, California, New York and Florida . While these states have been consistent in increasing their data center capacity, states such as Illinois, Arizona, Georgia and Oregon have seen considerable growth over the last five years, welcoming over 500 MW of data into the state each.  Each data center is home to multiple factors that determine its operational capacity and overall value in the market. White space is known as the area within a data center that stores IT equipment that is or can be used for additional storage or computing while gross max power gives insight to how much power the data center is using. The power usage effectiveness is a metric to determine the energy efficiency of the data center in the form of a ratio calculated by dividing the total amount of power entering a data center by the power used to run IT equipment and data storage utilities. The closer the ratio of power usage effectiveness is to 1, the more efficient the data center. The current national average for power usage effectiveness across the United States is 1.5. Other data center specs that LandGate provides include the year of operation, building size, and parcel acreage.  Data Center and Fiber Optics Network  LandGate’s extensive state profiling assesses development, economic impact, technological advancements, and off-take capacity analyses across the region and highlights the critical functions of each in supporting growing energy demands. LandGate stands out as the only platform providing a comprehensive profile on the US data market including data centers, fiber optic lines, and off-take capacity. With over 95% of data centers in exact locations, LandGate exclusively offers its users the most precise data for white space, gross max power, power usage effectiveness (PUE), year of operation, building size, and parcel acreage data across data center resources.  What Makes For a Good Data Center?  A number of different factors go into determining the efficiency and productivity of a data center. Location has a crucial impact on operational efficiency, cost, and even the lifespan of the facility. A well-chosen site can lead to better energy consumption, lower latency, and increased security. For developers, understanding these factors is essential in making a strategic and cost-effective decision. Data center proximity to network hubs can dramatically affect its performance. Being closer to major network nodes reduces latency and enhances the speed of data transmission. A robust   fiber optic network  is essential for high-speed data transfer. When evaluating potential sites, the local infrastructure is needed to support data center bandwidth requirements. To guarantee uptime, data centers should have redundant connectivity options. The most common source for redundancy is natural gas or nuclear power. Multiple fiber paths and diverse routes can protect against outages and ensure continuous operation.  Water supply is also essential for data center cooling methodologies, and waste management systems play a major role in overall operational efficiency.  There are also several climate considerations that must be taken into account when developing a data center. Cooler climates can reduce the need for extensive air conditioning, lowering both your energy consumption and costs. Additionally, understanding local zoning laws and permit requirements is crucial for avoiding legal complications.  Moreover, each state will have its own set of tax incentives to build and develop data centers as well as regulatory and zoning requirements. Some major states also have programs that enable the growth and expansion of data centers and ensure that other industries, such as construction, maintenance, and IT, also benefit from these large investment projects.  Natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes can severely impact data center operations. Compliance with local environmental regulations is essential to avoid legal issues and ensure smooth project execution.  The data center depicted below is Apple's massive data center in Mesa, Arizona, which spans over one million square feet and is designed for high efficiency and security. The facility utilizes renewable energy sources, including solar power, to minimize its carbon footprint as shown in the LandGate  data analysis below. The facility supports over 1100 employees and created over 30,000 jobs across construction, maintenance, and corporate industries. Overall, the Mesa data center exemplifies how large-scale operations can prioritize ecological impact while meeting growing demand for digital services.  Apple Data Center in Mesa, AZ What is the Role of Offtake Capacity in the Operation of Data Centers? Offtake capacity  refers to the amount of energy that can be safely and reliably withdrawn from the electric grid at any given point to power various installations and utility projects. This capacity is a critical factor in ensuring that energy supply meets the demand of facilities like data centers, industrial plants, and other large-scale operations.Offtake capacity is a cornerstone of effective grid management, essential for sustaining economic efficiency and service reliability in the face of evolving energy demands.  At its core, offtake capacity involves a commitment between a seller and a buyer for the sale and purchase of energy or resources. This capacity can be quantified in terms of megawatts (MW) for electricity or other relevant metrics for different resources. Offtake agreements help mitigate the risk of price volatility and supply shortages by locking in terms that provide stability for both parties. For data centers, these agreements are especially important as they support operational continuity and align with sustainability goals by facilitating the procurement of clean energy sources. Offtake Capacity  Offtake capacity plays a pivotal role in the operation of data centers by providing a stable and reliable energy supply, which is essential for uninterrupted service delivery. By securing energy through offtake agreements, data centers can better manage operational costs and protect themselves against market fluctuations. Additionally, these agreements often facilitate the procurement of renewable energy, helping data centers meet sustainability targets and reduce their environmental impact. Moreover, understanding available offtake capacity allows data centers to plan for scalability, ensuring they can accommodate increasing demand without risking energy shortages. Strong offtake arrangements not only enhance the financial viability of data center projects, making them more attractive to investors, but they also support compliance with regulatory standards concerning energy consumption and emissions. Ultimately, offtake capacity is integral to the operational and financial stability of data centers in an increasingly competitive and environmentally conscious landscape. What Future Trends are Shaping the Sustainability of Data Centers? The sustainability of data centers is increasingly shaped by advancements in energy efficiency technologies and innovative cooling solutions. As the demand for data processing continues to rise, data centers are adopting more efficient hardware and software practices, such as virtualization and containerization, which optimize resource use. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in operational management allows for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, significantly reducing energy consumption. Moreover, modular data center designs are gaining traction, enabling scalability while minimizing waste and maximizing the use of sustainable materials. The growing demand for renewable energy is also profoundly influencing data center development, as companies strive to align their operations with global sustainability goals. Many organizations are investing in on-site renewable energy generation, such as solar panels and wind turbines, to reduce their carbon footprint and achieve energy independence. Furthermore, data centers are increasingly entering power purchase agreements (PPAs) with renewable energy providers, securing a stable supply of green energy. This shift not only mitigates environmental impact risk but also appeals to consumers and investors who prioritize corporate responsibility. As a result, the data center industry is evolving to become more resilient and sustainable, driven by a commitment to harnessing clean energy sources.

In a pivotal move to accelerate U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence (AI), the Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit input on building advanced AI infrastructure on DOE-managed federal lands. This initiative aims to meet the skyrocketing demand for AI compute capacity by leveraging government-owned sites for cutting-edge data centers , paired with energy infrastructure that supports long-term sustainability and national resilience. For government landholders and private sector stakeholders alike, this represents a rare opportunity to shape the digital and energy infrastructure of the future. The DOE’s RFI outlines plans to identify, lease, and develop federal land for AI data centers that are powered by reliable, clean, and scalable energy. Construction is expected to begin by late 2025, with operations launching in 2027. Sixteen potential DOE sites have been identified, and the department encourages public-private partnerships to bring this infrastructure to life. By integrating power sources like solar, nuclear, and natural gas with AI infrastructure, the DOE hopes to minimize environmental impact while maximizing operational efficiency. However, identifying optimal sites, assessing land value, evaluating energy interconnection, and planning development timelines are complex challenges; this is where LandGate provides unmatched support. As the leading platform for land intelligence, LandGate enables federal agencies , public landowners, and private developers to make strategic, data-driven decisions about land and energy infrastructure . Through our specialized solutions for government and public landowners, LandGate helps agencies unlock the full value of their land by providing comprehensive data on energy potential, resource monetization, infrastructure siting, and competitive leasing. In the context of the DOE’s AI initiative, LandGate equips decision-makers with high-resolution data on transmission access, capacity constraints, environmental sensitivity, and market demand all within a single, easy to use platform. LandGate's value goes far beyond private development. Government and public landowners use the platform to understand the fair market value of their assets, screen and evaluate proposals, and bring transparency to the bidding process. For DOE and its stakeholders, this means maximizing returns on federal assets, reducing risk, and accelerating timelines for mission-critical projects like this one. As AI data centers are projected to consume up to 9% of the nation’s electricity by 2030, the ability to co-locate AI infrastructure with energy generation is not just ideal; it’s essential. LandGate streamlines this alignment through parcel-level analytics that bring clarity to energy and digital infrastructure planning. The DOE’s AI infrastructure initiative signals a tectonic shift in how energy and digital sectors are converging, and the ripple effects will be profound. The scale of power demand associated with AI workloads is unprecedented. Emerging models and high-performance compute clusters are already stretching the capacity of traditional grids, making the siting of AI data centers not just a digital infrastructure challenge but a deeply rooted energy problem. This initiative to site AI infrastructure on federal land directly adjacent to energy generation assets is a forward-thinking solution to that problem. For the energy sector, this marks the beginning of a new kind of offtake opportunity . Instead of selling electricity solely to utilities or conventional consumers, power generators especially those developing renewables, small modular nuclear, or hybrid generation facilities can now directly serve mission-critical AI infrastructure. The AI sector, in turn, gets the resilient, cost-stable, and clean power it needs to meet both ESG expectations and operational demands. By helping energy developers evaluate land based on co-location with DOE sites, transmission capacity, and generation economics, LandGate becomes an essential intelligence partner in this emerging market. From the perspective of AI developers, access to power is becoming just as important as access to GPUs. Being able to pre-qualify sites with existing land rights, interconnection capacity, water access, and permitting feasibility can compress multi-year development timelines into a matter of months. With LandGate’s parcel-level data, AI infrastructure developers can perform due diligence faster, identify opportunities with the highest power reliability, and engage in competitive bidding on land backed by actionable energy insights. This convergence is also an inflection point for public land strategy. By proactively managing federal and public lands to serve the dual mission of digital leadership and clean energy deployment, government landowners can capture immense value. LandGate supports this by providing a transparent, data-driven process for evaluating land assets, screening developers, and maximizing long-term returns; all while aligning with national priorities around climate, security, and innovation. Find all these listings on LandGate’s platform by scheduling a demo . Responses to the DOE’s RFI are due by May 7, 2025, and should be submitted via email to aiinfrastructure@hq.doe.gov . The full RFI document, which includes site information and submission instructions, is available on the DOE’s website. At LandGate, we believe land and energy data should be accessible and actionable. By supporting the development of AI infrastructure on public lands, we are proud to help both federal agencies and private developers work toward a future that is both digitally advanced and energy secure. Whether you’re evaluating a potential site, assessing energy co-location, or preparing a bid, LandGate is your partner for unlocking the full value of land and energy assets.  Ready to learn more?

When planning large-scale energy  or data center  projects, understanding transfer and offtake capacity is critical. These calculations determine how much power can flow efficiently through the grid or be utilized on-site without exceeding infrastructure limits. Yet, for many developers, navigating the complexities of available capacity can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the essentials of transfer and offtake capacity calculations, giving energy and data center developers the clarity they need to make informed decisions. Whether you're assessing grid connection options or planning for future scalability, we’ll walk you through the key concepts step-by-step. Available Capacity: A Key Factor in Grid-Connected Projects Available capacity is a critical consideration when developing projects intended to connect to the power grid. For generation projects like Solar, Wind, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Available Transfer Capacity is essential for injecting additional electricity into the grid. Similarly, large energy-consuming projects such as Data Centers and Crypto Mining facilities need Available Offtake Capacity to secure the necessary power for their operations. Available Transfer Capacity vs. Available Offtake Capacity While Available Transfer Capacity  and Available Offtake Capacity  are similar calculations, they serve different purposes depending on the nature of the project. For developers of generation projects, the focus should be on Available Transfer Capacity at the nearest substation. This capacity refers to the maximum amount of additional power that can be transferred through the network without violating grid constraints. If a project exceeds the available transfer capacity, the developer may be required to fund network upgrades, which can significantly increase project costs. These potential upgrade costs are estimated through platforms like LandGate, which can also provide information on multiple transfer limits for each substation. On the other hand, projects with high energy demand, such as data centers and crypto mining facilities, focus on Available Offtake Capacity. This value indicates the maximum amount of power that can be reliably sourced from the grid at a particular interconnection point. Unlike generation projects, these energy-intensive developments are typically not responsible for covering the costs of network upgrades. However, delays in network upgrades can affect the interconnection timeline, potentially pushing back project development. Therefore, securing sufficient Available Offtake Capacity is essential for ensuring a smooth and timely project rollout. How Are These Capacity Values Calculated? Calculating Available Transfer and Offtake Capacity across the country is a complex and lengthy process. Both calculations start with mapping the transmission network, which includes substations, transmission lines, transformers, and other essential components. Each Independent System Operator (ISO) or Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) sets different load demand and generation base-case scenarios for multiple future years. Power engineers at LandGate then run sophisticated simulations for both Transfer and Offtake Capacity. These simulations account for potential contingencies, ensuring the system remains stable even in the event of unexpected failures like line outages or generator trips. The final calculations yield two distinct values: Available Transfer Capacity : This represents the maximum additional power that can be safely transferred between different areas of the grid without violating operational constraints. Available Offtake Capacity : This value indicates the maximum load that can be reliably supported at each interconnection point on the grid, ensuring the system can handle increased demand without compromising reliability. Impact of Available Capacity Understanding Available Transfer Capacity and Available Offtake Capacity is crucial for the success of any project connected to the power grid. Developers of generation projects must ensure they have sufficient Available Transfer Capacity to avoid costly network upgrades. Meanwhile, high-demand projects like data centers and crypto mining facilities must prioritize securing enough Available Offtake Capacity to avoid delays and ensure timely project completion. By understanding and planning for these capacities, developers can navigate the complexities of grid connection and optimize their projects' success. To learn more, book a demo  with our dedicated energy markets team.

The world of energy is in a state of constant flux, changing and evolving along with technological advancements and the growing urgency to transition towards renewable sources. Not to mention, the constraints on available land positions make site control an even greater challenge for renewable energy developers. In this dynamic environment, Available Transfer Capacity (ATC) data has emerged as one of the most important factors in the energy workflow, particularly in identifying potential areas for utility scale renewable energy projects and streamlining injection studies with upgrade cost analysis. Understanding Available Transfer Capacity (ATC) Data Available Transfer Capacity (ATC) refers to the measure of the additional amount of electrical power that can be transferred over the transmission network in a reliable manner while meeting all of a system's safety requirements. ATC data is critical in the energy sector as it helps operators understand how much more power can be added to the grid without causing instability or reliability issues. Utility-scale development projects cannot proceed unless there is existing capacity on the grid or be forced to upgrade portions of the grid so that their projects can move forward.  How Renewable Energy Developers Can Utilize ATC Data Renewable energy developers can utilize Available Transfer Capacity (ATC) data in a variety of ways to optimize their projects. It can guide site selection, inform cost estimates, aid in project scheduling, assist with risk mitigation, and facilitate investor communications. By leveraging this data, developers and energy professionals can make more informed decisions and ultimately design more successful and sustainable energy projects. Providers like LandGate offer specialized platforms and services that make this critical information easily accessible. 1) ATC Data for Site Selection  One of the first steps in any renewable energy project is selecting the right site. ATC data can be instrumental in this phase by helping developers identify areas of the grid with sufficient capacity to handle the additional power generated by their project. For instance, if a developer is considering several potential sites for a new wind farm, they could use ATC data to quickly rule out any areas where the grid is already operating at or near capacity. 2) ATC Data for Cost Estimation When planning a renewable energy project, it's essential to have an accurate estimate of costs. ATC data can help here too. By understanding the available transfer capacity of a given area, developers can get a sense of whether expensive grid upgrades will be needed to accommodate their project or determine where those upgrade costs occur. If the ATC is low, it may indicate that substantial infrastructure investments will be required, which can significantly impact the project's financial feasibility. 3) ATC Data for Project Scheduling  ATC data can also inform project timelines. If a project requires grid upgrades due to low ATC, these upgrades need to be factored into the project schedule. Knowing this information upfront helps avoid unexpected delays later on. Queue positions are also critical as ATC may be available currently, but depending on the project timeline and other projects coming onto the grid, the project may not be viable at the projected COD (commercial operation date). 4) ATC Data for Risk Mitigation  Understanding the ATC of a potential project site can help developers anticipate and mitigate risks. For example, if the ATC is borderline sufficient for a proposed solar power plant, developers might opt to phase their project, gradually adding capacity over time rather than all at once. This phased approach can help manage the risk of overloading the grid. 5) ATC Data for Investor Communications Finally, ATC data can be valuable for communicating with potential investors. Developers can use ATC data to demonstrate that they've done their due diligence and that the proposed project site has the necessary infrastructure capacity. This can help build investor confidence and potentially make it easier to secure funding. 6) ATC for Identifying Renewable Energy Project Areas One of the primary applications of ATC data is in identifying potential areas for renewable energy projects. When planning for a new renewable project, such as a wind farm or solar power plant, it's crucial to know the capacity of the existing grid in the targeted area. This is where ATC data comes into play. By analyzing ATC data , developers can identify regions with sufficient transfer capacity to accommodate the additional load from their proposed renewable energy project. This not only ensures that the project is technically feasible but also helps avoid costly and time-consuming grid upgrades down the line. Streamlining Injection Studies with Upgrade Cost Analysis ATC data also plays a pivotal role in optimizing the development process and streamlining injection studies with upgrade cost analysis. An injection study is an assessment carried out to determine the impact of adding a new power source to the grid. Traditionally, these studies have been quite complex and time-consuming, often resulting in delays in project timelines. However, with ATC data, energy companies can now conduct these studies more efficiently, thereby reducing uncertainties and potential delays in the project timeline. LandGate provides automated injection capacity studies and engineering reports, enabling developers to quickly determine injection capacity and visualize network upgrades for optimal project planning. Our robust capacity reports include detailed substation information, capacity results, limiting elements such as transmission lines and transformers, and queue data. Using the most comprehensive models available, developers can plan more accurately across multiple years (2026–2033) and scenarios, including Base Case, Post-Contingent, Existing System, or Queued. The platform supports both Network Resource and Energy Resource analyses, giving a complete view for informed decision-making. Additionally, ATC data gives renewable energy developers insight into the remaining capacity of the electrical grid at specific substations or bus bars. This enables them to pinpoint optimal locations for new projects while steering clear of areas where the grid cannot handle additional power injections. By using this data, developers can streamline site selection, evaluate potential infrastructure upgrade needs, and ensure grid reliability by confirming that a project can connect without disrupting the existing network. How to Access ATC Data Renewable energy developers have traditionally relied on disjointed data from ISOs and then must pair that data with public information and hire expensive in-house transmission engineers to determine the ATC. 1) LandGate's Platform For renewable energy developers, grid capacity is the foundation of successful project planning. While a number of public data sources can help inform a holistic view of the grid, LandGate’s ATC tools   simplifies this process by integrating NRIS (Network Resource Interconnection Service) and ERIS (Energy Resource Interconnection Service) into transfer capacity data, removing the complexity from grid analysis and making your planning faster, smarter, and more accurate . 2) Grid-Related Datasets for Energy Developers The Renewable Energy Potential Model from REL, exclusion zone maps, webinars & online platforms, SWERA, and IRENA provide other grid-related datasets that energy developers can leverage. Renewable Energy Potential Model (reV): The National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) reV model helps developers understand land access limitations for renewable energy projects. While it does not provide ATC data, its analysis can inform developers about the capacity of potential project sites. Renewable Energy Zones (REZ): Planning approaches such as the development of Renewable Energy Zones can enable access to renewable energy in cost-effective locations, which likely have potential capacity. Webinars and Online Platforms: Companies such as LandGate offer webinars  and online platforms that help users understand the impact of introducing new power to the grid. These resources may also provide insights into grid data. Solar and Wind Energy Resource Assessment (SWERA): SWERA provides free access to renewable energy data and technical assistance for developers, policymakers, and decision-makers. This can be a valuable resource for obtaining grid-related information. IRENA Data: The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) provides access to comprehensive and up-to-date renewable energy data. This data set may include grid data or related information. The Future of ATC Data for Developers ATC data has a transformative potential in energy workflows, particularly in the renewable energy sector. By leveraging this data, operators can identify promising project areas, optimize the development process, and streamline injection studies with upgrade cost analysis. This not only makes the planning and execution of renewable projects more efficient but also contributes towards a more reliable and resilient energy system. For renewable energy developers, grid capacity is the foundation of successful project planning. LandGate simplifies this process by integrating NRIS (Network Resource Interconnection Service) and ERIS (Energy Resource Interconnection Service) into transfer capacity data, removing the complexity from grid analysis and making your planning faster, smarter, and more accurate.

Data center development has always been about three things: power, power, and more power. But as AI workloads explode, hyperscalers scale faster than transmission infrastructure, and interconnection queues stretch into the next decade, one factor is quietly becoming a make‑or‑break competitive advantage: Proximity to generation. Not just access to the grid- access to the right kind of power, in the right location, at the right time. For data center developers, understanding how different generation types behave, and how close you can get to them, now directly impacts speed to market, cost certainty, resiliency, and long‑term scalability. In this resource, we’ll break down how nuclear, natural gas, hydro, solar, and wind stack up, and why battery storage is changing the rules. The New Reality: Power Is the Constraint Transmission build‑out is slow, expensive, and politically complex. Meanwhile, data center load growth is anything but. Utilities across the U.S. are now pausing or rejecting new interconnection requests, requiring years‑long studies, and forcing developers to shoulder massive grid upgrade costs. As a result, data center developers are increasingly asking a different question: What if we bring the data center to the power instead of waiting for the power to come to us?  That’s where power plant proximity comes in. The Fuel Hierarchy: Comparing Generation Sources Not all power sources are created equal. When evaluating a site near a power plant, developers must weigh base-load reliability against sustainability goals and speed-to-market. Nuclear Power: The Gold Standard Nuclear offers what data centers crave most- massive, steady, 24/7 baseload power with virtually zero carbon emissions. The Advantage:  Ultra-high reliability and zero carbon emissions. Recent deals- like Talen Energy’s sale of a data center campus adjacent to the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station- prove that "nuclear-adjacent" is the premium tier of the market. The Challenge:  High regulatory hurdles and limited existing sites. Being near an existing nuclear facility can dramatically reduce transmission risk and congestion costs, but these sites are rare, competitive, and often already spoken for. If nuclear adjacency is an option, it’s a strategic asset- but not a broadly available one. Natural Gas: The Reliability Workhorse Natural gas remains the most practical bridge for the energy transition. Many developers are now looking at "on-site" gas generation to bypass utility bottlenecks. The Advantage:  Gas plants are dispatchable, meaning they can ramp up or down based on the data center’s load. Proximity to gas pipelines and power plants allows for "island mode" operation, shielding developers from grid instability. The Challenge:  Carbon footprint concerns and fluctuating commodity pricing. Data centers near gas plants (or gas pipelines suitable for onsite generation) gain faster time to power, reduced reliance on constrained grid infrastructure, and greater control over redundancy and reliability. Overall, natural gas is not the perfect solution, but for developers prioritizing speed and certainty, close proximity to gas generation remains a powerful competitive lever. Data centers and natural gas power plants near Houston, TX from LandGate's platform Hydropower: Clean, Reliable, and Geography‑Locked Hydro combines renewability with stability, which is a rare pairing in the world of data center development. The Advantage:  Some of the lowest LCOE (Levelized Cost of Energy) in the world. Regions like the Pacific Northwest and parts of the Southeast offer a massive competitive edge for developers who can secure land near these assets. The Challenge:  Highly geography-dependent; you can’t build a new dam to suit a project. In hydro-rich regions, data centers can benefit from lower long-term power costs, reduced congestion risk, and strong renewable credentials. Overall, where geography allows, hydro proximity is a quiet win, but it’s not replicable at scale nationwide. Hydroelectric power plants and data center facilities in Atlanta, GA from LandGate's platform Solar & Wind: Abundant and Inexpensive, but Intermittent Solar and wind dominate new generation capacity additions due to low cost and rapid deployment, but their intermittency is the primary hurdle for 99.999% uptime requirements. The Advantage:  Speed of deployment and favorable tax credits. The Challenge:  A data center cannot run on "when the wind blows." Without a primary base-load connection, these sources require massive over-provisioning or a secondary "firming" source. Being close to renewable generation helps with avoiding transmission bottlenecks, reducing interconnection timelines, and structuring behind-the-meter solutions , but renewables alone rarely satisfy data center uptime requirements- which brings us to storage. Solar farms and data center facilities in Washington, DC from LandGate's platform Battery Storage: The Game Changer Battery energy storage is rapidly transforming how data centers think about power proximity. Historically, proximity to a solar farm wasn't enough to power a data center. With BESS, that equation changes. By co-locating with renewable generation and large-scale battery storage , developers can: Peak Shave:  Use batteries to manage demand charges during high-intensity hours. Bridge the Gap:  Use BESS to firm up intermittent solar or wind, turning variable energy into reliable energy. Grid Services:  Sell power back to the grid during outages, turning a cost center into a revenue stream while improving resiliency during grid events. When paired with nearby generation, battery storage allows developers to firm renewable power, blend generation types for optimized performance, and reduce dependence on long transmission lines. As a result, power plant proximity plus storage is no longer just about access- it’s about control. Battery storage and data center facilities near Dallas, TX from LandGate's platform The Strategic Shift for Data Center Developers Power strategy is now a site selection problem, not just a utility negotiation. The most competitive data center developers are evaluating land near existing and planned generation, assessing interconnection constraints before acquisition, modeling hybrid power stacks, and prioritizing speed to power over theoretical long-term capacity. This is where data makes the difference. LandGate gives data center developers visibility into power plant locations and generation types, transmission infrastructure and congestion risks, land suitability evaluations near energy assets, and off-market and on-market sites aligned with power strategy. Instead of guessing where power might be available years from now, developers can identify opportunities where proximity creates a real, defensible advantage today. In a market where the first person to the substation wins, LandGate gives you the head start. Learn more about LandGate’s data center site selection tools and book a demo with our team today:

The final week of January 2026 marks a pivotal shift in the sector. We are seeing a "tug-of-war" between unprecedented capital injections from the hardware sector and a hardening of local regulatory stances. For developers, the message is clear: the technical requirements for AI are scaling faster than the physical and social infrastructure can currently support. Success in the coming quarters will likely depend on "behind-the-meter" power strategies and navigating a more litigious local zoning environment. CoreWeave Bounces on $2B NVIDIA Injection CoreWeave stock rose 12%  following a $2 billion  investment from NVIDIA specifically earmarked to expand data center capacity. Capacity Expansion:  This funding is directly tied to scaling the physical footprint required for next-generation AI workloads. Developer Analysis:  NVIDIA’s decision to move further down the capital stack into the real estate and operations layer is a significant signal. It suggests that "off-the-shelf" colocation space is no longer sufficient for the specific thermal and power densities NVIDIA requires. Developers should expect more "build-to-suit" partnerships where the hardware provider dictates the site's mechanical and electrical (M&E) design from day one. Microsoft Debuts Maia 200 Inference Chip Microsoft has unveiled its Maia 200  chip , a breakthrough interference accelerator engineered to improve the economic efficiency of AI token generation. Efficiency Gains:  The chip is designed to optimize the "economics of AI," targeting lower power consumption for inference tasks. Developer Analysis:  The introduction of proprietary silicon like the Maia 200 indicates that hyperscalers are actively trying to decouple their growth from generic grid-heavy hardware. For developers, this means the cooling profile of a Microsoft-leased facility may soon differ drastically from an NVIDIA-heavy one. Flexibility in rack-level cooling (moving from air to liquid or hybrid) will be a prerequisite for attracting these "chip-sovereign" tenants. Baker Hughes Doubles Orders for AI Power Demand Baker Hughes Co. announced plans to double its data center equipment order target to $3 billion . Supply Chain Signal:  The move is a response to the massive power demand driven by AI infrastructure. Developer Analysis:  When a major energy technology firm like Baker Hughes doubles its order target, it signals that the bottleneck is shifting from chips to power-gen and distribution hardware (transformers, switchgear, and turbines). Developers currently in the planning phase should anticipate longer lead times for these components and consider pre-ordering critical infrastructure even before final site permits are secured. Monterey Park Enacts 45-Day Moratorium The city of Monterey Park, California, passed a 45-day moratorium  on data center development, effectively halting proposals for builds in Saturn Park. Regulatory Friction:  This move reflects a growing trend of local municipalities pulling the "emergency brake" to assess the strain on local power and water resources. Developer Analysis:  This 45-day "pause" is often a precursor to more permanent zoning changes or the introduction of "data center taxes." It highlights the "NIMBY" (Not In My Backyard) risk in urban-adjacent markets. Developers are advised to diversify into "pro-growth" jurisdictions or invest heavily in water-neutral cooling technologies to win over local planning boards. Softbank Ceases $50B Switch Acquisition Talks Softbank Corp has ended discussions regarding its potential $50 billion  acquisition of the data center firm Switch. M&A Cool-off:  Despite the push for AI infrastructure, this high-profile withdrawal indicates a potential recalibration of valuations for large-scale operators. Developer Analysis:  This collapsed deal suggests a "valuation gap" where sellers expect AI-driven premiums that buyers are increasingly hesitant to pay due to rising interest rates or grid-uncertainty. Developers looking for an exit may find the M&A market more scrutinized, favoring those with "shovel-ready" power capacity over those with mere land-holdings. Infrastructure Solutions for Data Center Developers As regulatory hurdles and power constraints become the primary bottlenecks for growth, LandGate provides the parcel-level intelligence and energy availability data needed to navigate complex siting requirements. Book a demo with our team today  to explore our tailored solutions for data center developers or visit our   resource library  for the latest industry insights.

For data center developers navigating today's digital infrastructure landscape, fiber connectivity isn't just a checkbox on a site selection matrix- it's the foundation of operational viability. However, not all fiber is created equal. The difference between long-haul fiber, dark fiber, and regional or metro fiber networks can determine everything from your capital expenditure profile to your ability to serve latency-sensitive workloads. Understanding these distinctions is critical as AI infrastructure demands surge and hyperscale deployments push into new geographic markets. Here's what data center developers need to know about each fiber network type and how to leverage comprehensive fiber intelligence to make smarter siting decisions. Data Centers and Fiber Networks Data centers and fiber optic networks are tightly intertwined, and together they’re what make hyperscale data centers possible. Fiber networks are the connective tissue. Long-haul and metro fiber move massive volumes of data between cities, regions, and countries, while dark fiber and high-capacity links connect data centers directly to one another and to end users. This fiber provides the ultra-low latency, high bandwidth, and reliability required to move data at scale. Data centers are the computational and storage hubs. Hyperscale data centers house thousands of servers that process, store, and distribute data for cloud platforms, AI workloads, streaming, and enterprise applications. On their own, they’re powerful- but without dense fiber connectivity, that power can’t reach users or other data centers efficiently. Fiber optic networks and data centers scale together. As hyperscale operators grow, they don’t build a single isolated facility. They build networks of data centers connected by fiber. This allows for workload distribution across multiple regions, redundancy and resiliency, and rapid data replication for performance and disaster recovery. Hyperscale data centers demand enormous bandwidth and predictable performance. Fiber networks, especially long-haul, metro, and private dark fiber, enable operators to add capacity without rebuilding infrastructure, support latency-sensitive workloads, and expand into new markets by extending fiber routes to new sites. As data consumption, cloud services, and AI continue to grow, hyperscale expansion follows fiber, making robust fiber infrastructure a prerequisite for where and how the next generation of data centers gets built. Long-Haul Fiber Networks: The Backbone of Internet Connectivity Long-haul fiber is a high-capacity, long-distance fiber optic network designed to move enormous amounts of data across countries or continents, linking major metropolitan hubs. It forms the backbone of the internet, relying on low-loss single-mode fiber and optical amplifiers (instead of electrical repeaters) to preserve signal quality over thousands of kilometers. Key Characteristics Long-haul routes typically connect major cities and carrier hotels, providing the primary pathways for cross-country and international data transmission. They're owned and operated by major telecommunications carriers, network operators, and specialized long-haul providers who maintain extensive right-of-way agreements across diverse geographies. When It Matters for Data Centers For hyperscale facilities, content delivery networks, and cloud on-ramp sites, proximity to long-haul fiber is essential. These connections enable data centers to move massive volumes of traffic between markets with minimal latency degradation. Enterprise colocation facilities seeking to position themselves as regional hubs also benefit significantly from direct access to multiple long-haul carriers. Data centers serving AI training workloads or high-frequency trading operations particularly value long-haul diversity- having multiple, physically separate long-haul routes ensures redundancy and protects against single points of failure. Strategic Considerations Long-haul fiber access typically requires negotiated agreements with carriers, and pricing structures can vary dramatically based on competitive dynamics in each market. Sites with access to multiple competing long-haul providers enjoy more favorable economics and greater negotiating leverage. Long Haul Fiber Lines Across the U.S. from LandGate's Platform Dark Fiber: Raw Infrastructure for Maximum Control Dark fiber represents unlit optical fiber infrastructure that organizations lease or purchase to operate their own network equipment. Unlike traditional carrier services where you're buying bandwidth, dark fiber gives you the physical fiber strands themselves. For high-growth data center developers, this is the "gold standard." Key Characteristics Dark fiber provides the ultimate in network control and scalability. Organizations light the fiber with their own equipment, choosing wavelength technologies, capacity levels, and upgrade paths without carrier dependencies. This infrastructure typically exists along established fiber routes but remains unactivated until a customer brings their own transmission equipment. When It Matters for Data Centers For large-scale operators managing multiple facilities, dark fiber offers compelling economics over time. The upfront capital investment pays dividends through lower operational costs and the ability to scale bandwidth without recurring service fees. Dark fiber between campuses also enables organizations to create private, high-security networks without traffic touching public internet or carrier networks. By locating and leveraging existing dark fiber infrastructure, you can save on capital expenditure and secure long-term, predictable network costs. Hyperscale operators and large enterprises with predictable, high-volume bandwidth requirements often find that dark fiber provides the best total cost of ownership over contract periods of five to ten years. Since the data center developer provides the equipment to light the fiber, you control the capacity and the technology without paying a service provider for every incremental increase in speed. Strategic Considerations Dark fiber acquisition requires significant technical capability- developers must manage network equipment, monitoring, and maintenance. You're also responsible for ensuring physical path diversity and building in redundancy at the infrastructure level. However, this hands-on approach delivers maximum flexibility for organizations with specialized requirements or those anticipating rapid capacity growth.  The challenge for developers lies in identifying unlisted dark fiber optic routes . Many dark fiber routes aren't publicly documented, making comprehensive fiber mapping data essential for site selection. LandGate stands as an exception to this with its nationwide dark fiber maps and data: Dark Fiber Lines across the U.S. from LandGate's Platform Regional and Metro Fiber Networks: Local Connectivity Regional and metro fiber networks operate at a smaller geographic scale, typically serving a metropolitan area or multi-county region. These networks prioritize local interconnection, last-mile delivery, and connectivity to local internet exchanges and carrier-neutral facilities. Key Characteristics Metro fiber networks create dense webs of connectivity within and between nearby cities. They connect enterprise customers, wireless cell sites, data centers, and cloud points of presence across a region. Many metro providers specialize in low-latency routes between financial districts, colocation facilities, and cloud on-ramps within their service territory. When It Matters for Data Centers For edge data centers, enterprise colocation facilities, and regional cloud nodes, metro fiber density determines addressable market reach. Facilities positioned at the intersection of multiple metro fiber networks can serve diverse local enterprises without requiring customers to contract with specific long-haul carriers, so they are the key to achieving "edge" performance. If your tenants require ultra-low latency for AI workloads, high-frequency trading, or real-time applications, proximity to dense Metro fiber is non-negotiable. Metro fiber also proves essential for interconnection-heavy colocation facilities where numerous customers require low-latency connections to local enterprises, cloud providers, and internet exchanges. The ability to offer carrier diversity within metro networks significantly enhances facility marketability. Strategic Considerations Metro fiber density varies dramatically by market. Tier-one markets like Northern Virginia , Silicon Valley, and Chicago feature extensive competitive metro fiber infrastructure. Secondary markets may have limited providers or concentrated ownership, affecting pricing and service flexibility. Data center developers should evaluate not just the presence of metro fiber but also the competitive landscape among providers. Evaluating network density and carrier diversity is essential to ensure your site has the necessary redundancy to stay online during a local outage. Markets with healthy competition typically offer better economics and more innovative service offerings.  Regional/Metro Fiber Lines Across the U.S. from LandGate's Platform The Challenge: Fragmented Fiber Network Data As digital infrastructure demands continue to accelerate, fiber connectivity will increasingly separate viable sites from those that looked promising on paper. The developers who succeed will be those who can rapidly assess fiber availability and quality across multiple potential locations, understand the ownership landscape and competitive dynamics affecting network economics, identify strategic gaps where new fiber builds might be required, and integrate fiber analysis with comprehensive site evaluation across power, environmental, and economic factors. Historically, assembling comprehensive fiber intelligence required piecing together carrier coverage maps, requesting quotes to reveal actual availability, and conducting extensive boots-on-the-ground verification. This fragmented approach makes systematic site selection nearly impossible. Developers may overestimate connectivity options at a site only to discover limited actual availability during negotiation. You might miss strategically valuable locations because available fiber infrastructure wasn't visible in your preliminary analysis. And without comprehensive mapping of ownership, fiber types, and physical routes, assessing redundancy and avoiding single points of failure becomes guesswork. LandGate's Approach: Comprehensive Fiber Mapping for Smarter Site Selection LandGate addresses these challenges by providing what the industry has lacked: a single comprehensive platform mapping long-haul routes, dark fiber infrastructure, and metro fiber networks across the United States with ownership attribution and technical specifications, delivering several critical advantages for data center developers. With over 1.2 million miles of mapped fiber lines nationwide, LandGate allows developers to visualize the exact routes of existing fiber infrastructure, including long-haul, metro, and dark fiber networks, providing immediate clarity on network reach at any potential site. However, fiber connectivity doesn't exist in isolation. The most successful data center developments integrate fiber analysis with comprehensive evaluation of power availability, grid capacity, environmental factors, and economic incentives. LandGate's platform enables this integrated approach by combining fiber intelligence with industry-leading ATC and offtake capacity data for power availability, detailed mapping of data centers including their status and specifications, comprehensive transmission and distribution infrastructure data, and environmental and zoning intelligence to accelerate permitting. This holistic view allows developers to identify sites that meet multiple critical criteria simultaneously- not just fiber connectivity but also available power, reasonable grid upgrade costs, favorable local incentives, and acceptable environmental risk profiles. Ready to find the hidden gems where power and fiber intersect before the competition does? Learn more about LandGate’s fiber optics data and book a demo with our dedicated infrastructure team:

The third week of January 2026 is defined by a systemic effort to stabilize the relationship between massive data center growth and the aging North American power grid. As regional transmission organizations implement emergency procurement measures, developers are countering with unprecedented "super-site" proposals and sophisticated holding-company financing to bypass traditional capital constraints. PJM Board Initiates "Reliability Backstop" to Secure Power In a major move to protect grid integrity, the PJM Interconnection Board of Managers  has directed the immediate initiation of a "reliability backstop" capacity procurement process. Supply-Demand Imbalance : The action follows a recent capacity auction that fell short of reliability targets by approximately 6.6GW  due to surging demand from data centers. Pricing Protections : The Board is urging stakeholders to consider a "pricing collar"  on upcoming capacity auctions to protect residential ratepayers from extreme price volatility driven by hyperscale competition. Operational Rules : New guidelines include establishing a fast-track interconnection for loads that bring their own generation and stricter rules for curtailing facilities that do not provide their own power. Laramie County Welcomes Massive 10GW Data Center Proposal Laramie County, Wyoming, has approved site plans for Project Jade , an initial 1.8GW  AI data center campus with the potential to scale to a staggering 10GW . Scale and Scope : Developed by Crusoe  in partnership with Tallgrass , the project would be one of the largest facilities in the United States, featuring five buildings totaling roughly 4 million square feet . Integrated Energy : The campus is co-located with the Cheyenne Power Hub , a dedicated 2.7GW  natural gas power plant designed to provide on-site power for the facility’s hyperscale loads. Carbon Management : The site leverages its proximity to Tallgrass’s existing CO2 sequestration hub to provide long-term carbon capture solutions for the gas-fired generation. DC BLOX Secures $250 Million for Southeast Expansion DC BLOX has closed a $250 million HoldCo financing facility  from Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) , a subsidiary of BlackRock, to accelerate its digital infrastructure buildout. Strategic Flexibility : The financing provides growth capital at the holding company level, allowing the firm to scale its AI-ready infrastructure  across the Southeastern U.S. without increasing leverage at the operational level. Vertically Integrated Model : The funds will support a portfolio that includes hyperscale data centers, subsea cable landing stations, and dark fiber networks designed for low-latency AI workloads. Market Shifts and Regulatory Maneuvers As developers move forward with massive acquisitions, local regulators are introducing "common sense" standards to prevent unregulated sprawl. New Era Energy Acquisition : New Era Energy & Digital  has closed its acquisition  of Sharon AI’s 50% stake  in the Texas Critical Data Centers (TCDC)  joint venture for $70 million . This gives New Era full control over the 1GW+ West Texas hyperscale campus. Montgomery County, MD : Two competing bills  have been introduced to establish "science-based siting standards". One proposal by Councilmember Evan Glass  calls for a 15-member task force to study environmental and utility impacts, while another defines data centers as a specific zoning use subject to conditional approval. Infrastructure Solutions for Data Center Developers In an era of reliability backstops and 10GW proposals, LandGate provides the parcel-level power data and environmental intelligence needed to secure project viability. Book a demo with our team today  to explore our tailored solutions for data center developers or visit our   resource library  for the latest industry insights.

Strategic site selection is the cornerstone of a successful solar project. For solar energy developers, choosing the right site can make the difference between a high-performing, financeable project and one stalled by permitting, grid constraints, or poor production. Identifying a high-yield location requires a sophisticated balance of geospatial data, economic incentives, and infrastructural proximity. In this article, we break down the key factors solar developers should consider when evaluating land to identify projects that pencil, scale, and succeed long term. Key Takeaways The top 3 states for solar development in 2026 are Texas, California, and Virginia. The best locations for solar development combine strong solar potential, accessible infrastructure, minimal land constraints, and favorable market conditions. Data is the key behind developing solar farms successfully. LandGate's platform stands out as one solution for solar developers to streamline their development process and conduct due diligence. Best Locations for Solar Energy in 2026 In 2026, the U.S. solar market is defined by a massive surge in utility-scale capacity, with nearly 70 GW of new projects scheduled to come online through 2027 according to the U.S. Energy Information Adminstration (EIA) , leading to a 21% increase in solar generation during both 2026 and 2027 . While the "Sun Belt" remains dominant, the "Data Center Alley" and the Midwest are emerging as the new frontiers for high-yield development. 1) Texas: The Solar Powerhouse (ERCOT) Texas has officially overtaken California as the primary engine of U.S. solar growth. By 2026, it is the top destination for utility-scale developers due to a perfect storm of factors, like the AI data center boom, increased grid capacity, and land deregulation. AI Data Center Boom: Skyrocketing demand from data centers in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin corridors is creating an insatiable need for 24/7 power, often paired with massive battery storage. Grid Capacity: The EIA expects solar generation in the ERCOT grid to nearly double by 2027. Land & Deregulation: Ample land availability and a deregulated market allow for faster project timelines compared to more restrictive coastal states. Map of Solar Farms in Texas from LandGate 2) California: The Storage Leader With a market share consistently exceeding 28%, solar energy has become the backbone of California’s grid. It now stands as the state’s largest single power source, often outperforming traditional natural gas generation. While California’s residential market has stabilized following NEM 3.0, the Utility-Scale + BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) market is thriving. Interconnection: Developers are focusing on sites that can integrate storage to capture "peak" evening prices, as solar already generates nearly 47% of the state's electricity during the day. Policy Stability: California remains the most mature market with the most established "Social License to Operate" and clear long-term decarbonization mandates. Rule 21 Reform: Ongoing legal and regulatory pressure on the major utilities (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E) is pushing for faster interconnection timelines. 3) Virginia: The Industrial and Data Hub In 2026, Virginia has solidified its position as the most strategically important solar market on the East Coast. While states like California and Texas lead in total acreage, Virginia offers a unique "demand-pull" economic model that makes it a top-tier destination for developers. Data Center Alley: As the global hub for data centers, Virginia's utilities are under immense pressure to source carbon-free energy to meet corporate ESG goals (e.g., Google, Amazon, Microsoft). PJM Interconnection: While grid queues in the PJM region have been a bottleneck, projects that secured their spot are now reaching the construction phase, making this a high-value region for 2026 COD (Commercial Operation Date). Grid Resilience Incentives: To manage the massive load from data centers, the state is incentivizing developers to pair solar farms with energy storage systems. 4) The Midwest (Ohio and Illinois): The New Frontier In 2026, the Midwest has moved from a "fringe" solar market to a primary frontier for utility-scale and community development. While the Southwest offers more sun, the Midwest offers available grid capacity, lower land costs, and a massive industrial demand that is currently outpacing supply. Illinois Adjustable Block Program: Illinois remains the gold standard for state-level support. By 2026, the state has expanded its Adjustable Block Program , offering some of the highest Renewable Energy Credit (REC) values in the country for community solar. Efficiency Gains: Solar panels actually perform more efficiently in the cooler temperatures of states like Illinois  and Wisconsin than in the extreme heat of the desert, where high temperatures can cause a 10–15% drop in voltage efficiency. Industrial Decarbonization: High-energy-intensity industries (automotive, steel, and heavy manufacturing) are under pressure to decarbonize. In 2026, many of these companies are bypassing utilities to sign direct Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPAs) with local solar farms to meet their 2030 net-zero targets. Choosing the Best Locations for Solar Energy: Factors to Consider The best locations for solar development combine strong solar potential, accessible infrastructure, minimal land constraints, and favorable market conditions- giving developers the confidence to move projects from concept to completion. 1) Land Suitable for Solar Farms The land needed for utility-scale solar projects varies greatly depending on the installation's capacity and the solar technology used. Developers must secure land that is suitable for solar installations and available for purchase or lease, often involving negotiations with landowners or local communities. Generally, a utility-scale solar farm requires about 5 to 10 acres per megawatt (MW) of installed capacity. This means a 100 MW solar farm could need between 500 to 1,000 acres. First, solar resource quality matters. Areas with consistent, high irradiance deliver stronger energy production and more predictable returns, though recent advancements in solar technology allow solar panels to produce energy even on cloudy days. Similarly, ground-mounted solar installations require significant, relatively flat land, clear of obstructions like trees or buildings that could shade the panels and reduce efficiency. Soil conditions must also be suitable for mounting structures. A tool that developers can use to estimate energy output from a solar farm on a specific parcel is an 8760 Report. An 8760 Report examines and analyzes the expected energy generation (or load) for every hour across a span of 12 months. The model simulates the output for all 8,760 hours within the specified time frame, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the project's performance. 2) Zoning & Permitting The development of utility-scale solar projects involves several key stages, including permitting processes and zoning. These stages address various factors that influence the ease of constructing solar farms, such as site accessibility, ground conditions, and the availability of local labor and materials. Zoning regulations play a significant role in the timeline and cost of solar farm development. Projects must comply with local land-use laws, which may restrict certain areas from being used for solar energy. The permitting process can be complex and time-intensive, requiring multiple approvals from local, state, and sometimes federal authorities. 3) Land Accessibility Site accessibility is critical for solar site selection . The site must allow easy access for heavy machinery and equipment needed to install solar panels. Ground conditions are equally important. The land should be relatively flat and free of obstructions like trees or buildings that could cast shadows on the panels and reduce their efficiency. Additionally, the soil must be stable enough to support the mounting structures. 4) Interconnection Delay Mitigation One of the most critical aspects of any solar project is the grid connection. Substations are critical to the infrastructure of utility-scale solar energy, acting as a key link between power generation and end users. They transform the electricity generated by solar farms to suitable voltage levels for long-distance transmission. This step is essential to minimize energy loss and ensure electricity reaches consumers at the correct voltage. The efficiency of power transmission is heavily influenced by the proximity of solar farms to substations. Sites near existing grid infrastructure are typically faster and less expensive to develop, while locations in congested or capacity-limited areas can face costly upgrades or delays. Shorter distances mean reduced transmission losses, making it crucial to consider substation locations when planning solar farm sites. Substation capacity and existing grid infrastructure must also be evaluated to ensure compatibility with the project's needs. Locational Marginal Price (LMP) Locational Marginal Price (LMP) is a critical factor that solar farm investors must consider when sourcing the best places for solar energy. LMP refers to the cost of delivering an additional unit of energy to a specific location at a specific time. It varies based on demand, supply, and the capacity of the transmission network, and it can significantly impact the profitability of a solar project. For a solar farm, the energy produced is typically sold to the grid, and the price received for this energy is often based on the marginal unit. Higher LMPs mean higher revenue for the solar farm, making locations with consistently high LMPs more attractive to investors. Conversely, areas with lower LMPs might yield lower returns, potentially making them less viable for solar investment. Available Transfer Capacity (ATC) Available Transfer Capacity (ATC) measures the additional electrical power that can be reliably transferred over the transmission network while meeting all safety requirements. This data is essential in the energy sector, as it helps operators determine how much power can be added to the grid without risking instability or reliability issues. Utility-scale development projects depend on existing grid capacity or require grid upgrades to proceed. The LandGate platform is a valuable tool for analyzing LMP and ATC. Subscribers can access substation details that include comprehensive substation data, allowing for effective utility-scale solar site selection. 5) Environmental Impact Considerations Environmental impact assessments (EIAs) are a crucial part of permitting. These assessments evaluate potential environmental effects of the project and propose measures to minimize harm. They typically examine factors such as impacts on wildlife, water resources, and local ecosystems, ensuring the project aligns with environmental standards. Solar developers can use LandGate's comprehensive Environmental Reports  to conduct due diligence on properties they're interested in developing for solar farms, wind farms, data centers, and more. These reports offer a concise view of the various protected lands, species, and resources across the United States in order to provide a snapshot view of challenges and potential delays your project might face, detailing areas of high, moderate, and low risk, in addition to providing extensive data on the factors. 5) Policies, Incentives, and Market Demand Government policies, incentives, and market demand can significantly impact project viability. Supportive state or local renewable energy policies, tax incentives, and strong utility or corporate demand for clean power can turn a good site into a great one. States like Illinois (Adjustable Block Program) and California (RPS, net-metering policies) offers attractive incentives for solar developers in 2026. How to Choose the Best Locations for Solar Development: A Data-Driven Approach In the rapidly expanding world of renewable energy, finding the perfect site for your solar project can be a challenging task, but utilizing the right site planning software can help streamline the process and get projects to the queue faster. LandGate's solar site selection software is an example of a tool solar developers can use to plan effective projects and conduct due diligence. The platform leverages advanced data science and machine learning algorithms to provide you with comprehensive, real-time insights into potential site locations for your solar energy projects. It evaluates and ranks sites based on various factors such as solar irradiance, land topography, proximity to transmission lines, environmental constraints, and local regulations. LandGate's tools for solar farm due diligence allow you to model full utility-scale projects instantly: Get your solar projects into the queue & financed faster Determine buildable area with custom setbacks/exclusions & exportable pricing data Evaluate any solar project in minutes with fully integrated data and potential revenue modeling Site analysis, due diligence, and feasibility studies utilizing outputs for interconnection queue submissions or utility RFPs Industry standard outputs & economics including 8760 reports and complete feasibility studies LandGate's Platform doesn't just provide data; it delivers actionable insights. It allows you to determine the best sites for solar farms, visualize and analyze the data in an intuitive and user-friendly interface, examine an interactive solar energy potential map, and aid in site selection and layout, thus enabling you to make informed decisions quickly and confidently. Key Terms Locational Marginal Pricing (LMP) Locational Marginal Pricing (LMP)  is the actual market value of electricity at a specific point on the grid. While a retail consumer might pay a flat rate for power, a solar developer selling into the wholesale market is paid a price that fluctuates by the minute and by the mile. LMP is not a single number; it is the sum of three distinct economic factors at a specific "node" (a substation or connection point. Available Transfer Capacity (ATC) Available Transfer Capacity (ATC)  is the amount of unused transmission capacity on the electric grid that is available to move additional electricity from a generator to where it’s needed, without violating reliability or safety limits. In simple terms, ATC tells developers how much new power can be injected into the grid at a specific location without triggering congestion, curtailment, or the need for costly transmission upgrades. 8760 Report An 8760 Report  is a time-series energy analysis that models how a power generation project, such as a solar or solar-plus-storage facility, will perform during every hour of the year (8,760 hours). Rather than providing a single annual production estimate, an 8760 Report shows hour-by-hour generation, delivery, and value, giving developers, utilities, and investors a much more realistic view of how a project interacts with the grid and energy markets. PJM Interconnection PJM Interconnection  is a regional transmission organization (RTO) that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity across a large portion of the eastern United States and operates competitive electricity markets within that region. PJM manages the high-voltage transmission grid and wholesale power markets for 13 states and Washington, D.C., including all or parts of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Delaware.

The U.S. power sector is experiencing a growing disconnect between projected electricity demand and the generation capacity  expected to meet it. While significant new power projects continue to be announced and proposed, a meaningful share is ultimately canceled before reaching construction or operation. In 2025 alone, approximately 1,800 power projects were canceled, a scale highlighted by late-year federal actions that suspended five major developments, including Vineyard Wind 1 and Revolution Wind, removing an estimated 26.5 GW of planned clean energy capacity from the development pipeline. Examining canceled power generation projects is necessary to understand their scale, timing, technology mix, and geographic distribution. Analyzing canceled capacity over time and across regions and technologies helps clarify how much planned generation fails to materialize and how those losses compare with overall capacity expansion trends. Understanding canceled projects is critical for grid planning , investment decisions, and reliability assessments. Capacity that is announced but never built can lead to overstated supply expectations, underinvestment in transmission, and heightened risk as electricity demand accelerates, particularly from data centers, AI workloads, and broader electrification.    Withdrawn Solar, Wind and Battery Storage Projects, shown on the LandGate platform Understanding & Defining Canceled Power Plant Projects  Canceled power plant projects are proposed electricity generation facilities that are formally withdrawn or abandoned prior to entering commercial operation. These projects may be canceled at various stages of development, including after public announcement, during permitting and siting, or while awaiting interconnection approval. Importantly, cancellation does not imply failure of a project. Power generation development is inherently uncertain and takes years to develop, and there is an expectation that some projects can face regulatory and system constraints. Developers regularly adjust plans in response to changes in costs, regulations, market conditions, or grid constraints, and not all proposed projects are ultimately built. The insights of canceled projects matter because long-term electricity planning often relies on forward-looking estimates of future generation capacity. These estimates are frequently based on announced projects or interconnection queue submissions, which can significantly overstate the amount of capacity that will ultimately be built. When canceled projects are not explicitly accounted for, supply projections may appear more robust than what is realistically achievable. From a system perspective, the loss of planned generation capacity, measured in gigawatts, can materially affect transmission planning, and regional reliability assessments. This risk is amplified in areas experiencing rapid load growth, where canceled projects may coincide with increasing electricity demand. As a result, understanding where and why projects are canceled is essential for distinguishing headline capacity growth from realizable supply. Power generation projects are canceled for a range of reasons, and in most cases no single factor is decisive.  Instead, cancellations typically reflect a combination of economic, regulatory, and grid-related challenges that evolve over the course of development. Shifts in federal legislation, such as those introduced under the One Big Beautiful Bill, have added another layer of uncertainty for developers by changing policy and economic assumptions, leading to developers reassessing project viability. Interconnection constraints:  One of the most significant factors has been interconnection delays and rising interconnection costs. In many regions, projects face multi-year wait times to connect to the grid, along with substantial network upgrade requirements. As these timelines and costs increase, projects that initially appeared viable may no longer meet financial thresholds, leading developers to withdraw or cancel them. Transmission constraints:   Limited transmission capacity can restrict where new generation can be built and how efficiently it can deliver power. In areas where transmission expansion has lagged demand growth, developers may encounter escalating costs or uncertainty that ultimately prevents projects from moving forward. The substation view shown below illustrates the available transfer capacity at the node is effectively exhausted, meaning additional generation would require costly network upgrades or may not be feasible. When projects face these conditions, interconnection delays and rising upgrade requirements often increase cancellation risk. Exhausted Available Transfer Capacity at Substation, shown on the LandGate platform Financing constraints:  Financing conditions have also played a role, particularly in 2024 and 2025. Higher interest rates and increased capital costs have made long-duration infrastructure projects more difficult to finance. Projects with long development timelines or uncertain revenue streams are especially sensitive to these conditions. Market dynamics:   For some technologies, most notably battery storage, revenue expectations have become more volatile as capacity has expanded and market prices have adjusted. In other cases, changes in fuel prices, power prices, or policy incentives have altered the economics of planned generation. Permitting/Siting constraints:  Local zoning restrictions, environmental review processes, and community opposition can extend development timelines or prevent projects from advancing beyond the planning stage. In many regions, local opposition reflects concerns about land use and perceived community disruption associated with new power generation. At the same time, these same communities often face rising electricity prices and reliability concerns as demand grows. Canceled Power Generation Project Trends by Energy Sector Trends in canceled power generation projects vary significantly by technology, reflecting differences in cost structures, development timelines, current economic policies and market conditions.  New Realities in Solar and Wind Power Generation Solar and wind projects account for a large share of canceled generation, in part because they represent a substantial portion of the overall development pipeline. In 2025, approximately 90% of the canceled projects were clean energy plants.  Many projects enter interconnection queues early, before financing and site development  are fully secured, making them more vulnerable to rising interconnection costs, longer timelines, and local siting restrictions. While some level of attrition is expected, elevated cancellation rates for these technologies matter because solar and wind are expected to supply much of the near-term capacity needed to meet rising electricity demand. When large volumes of renewable capacity fail to materialize, regions can face tighter supply conditions, slower decarbonization progress, and increased pressure on existing generation assets, which may contribute to higher prices and reliability challenges.   Electricity Price vs. Capacity of Withdrawn Solar Projects: 2021-2025 Capacity of Withdrawn Solar Projects, 2021-2025 In 2025, canceled generation capacity was concentrated most heavily in renewable energy projects. Battery storage accounted for an estimated total of 85 GW of canceled capacity across major U.S. grid regions. Wind projects represented about 80 GW of canceled capacity, while solar projects accounted for 50 GW. This distribution highlights the development challenges, cancellation risk and sensitive market conditions and grid constraints.  Strategic Growth in Battery Storage: Navigating Market Evolution While battery storage  remains a cornerstone of the modern grid, the sector is currently undergoing a period of significant recalibration . Rather than viewing recent project shifts as a decline, developers should see them as an evolution toward more resilient and economically viable project models. Turning Challenges into Development Opportunities The storage landscape is currently defined by three primary drivers that, while challenging, provide a roadmap for more robust development: Federal Funding Realignment:  The Department of Energy’s recent decision to cancel $700 million in battery and manufacturing grants has served as a market "stress test." For developers, this underscores the importance of securing diverse, private-capital streams rather than over-relying on federal subsidies. Cost vs. Revenue Stability:  Developers are currently navigating the intersection of rising capital costs and fluctuating revenue streams. This dynamic is pushing the industry toward more sophisticated financial modeling and the prioritization of projects with clear, long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs). The Vital Role of Grid Flexibility:  Despite recent cancellations, the fundamental demand for storage has never been higher. Storage remains the essential "buffer" for balancing variable renewable generation. Developers who can successfully bring projects to completion will find themselves in a high-demand market, providing the critical system flexibility required for grid reliability. Nuclear and Natural Gas In contrast, cancellations of nuclear and natural gas projects tend to be less frequent but more consequential when they occur, given their larger size and role as firm capacity. Nuclear projects face long development timelines and high upfront costs, which limit new starts. Natural gas projects, while more flexible, increasingly face permitting challenges and policy uncertainty in some regions.  Historical Regional Patterns and Grid Constraints in Power Generation Recent reporting trends from regional grid operators for 2024 and 2025 suggests that power project cancellations are concentrated in a limited number of regions rather than evenly spread across the United States and specifically the renewable energy industry seems to be hit the hardest.  Midwestern and Southern states are frequently cited in coverage of elevated cancellation activity, particularly for utility-scale solar and battery storage projects. In Nevada, federal agencies recently canceled approval for a proposed 6.2-GW utility-scale solar project, illustrating how federal permitting and land-use decisions can remove large amounts of planned generation capacity. In late 2025, more than 2 GW of generation capacity was withdrawn in the region, driven primarily by solar and battery storage projects, with smaller contributions from wind cancellations. Data Center Demand and Canceled Projects  Data centers  currently account for roughly 3% of U.S. electricity demand, and individual hyperscale facilities can require 100–500 MW of power in a single location. In regions such as Northern Virginia  and Texas , where data center growth has been especially strong, canceled or delayed power generation projects can widen the gap between projected demand and available supply. In Ohio, a billion-dollar data center project in 2025 was canceled due to energy limitations. This highlights how uncertainty around future power supply can influence both generation development and large electricity demand projects. Denied Data Centers in the Great Lakes region, visualized on the LandGate platform  Implications of canceled projects and the way forward Canceled power generation projects have growing implications for grid reliability and market outcomes at a time when electricity demand is accelerating. U.S. data centers already account for roughly 2–3% of total electricity consumption, and multiple forecasts project that share could double by the end of the decade as AI workloads and cloud computing expand. Individual hyperscale facilities increasingly require 100–500 megawatts (MW) of power at a single site.This is driving sustained growth in regional load forecasts, increasing the importance of new generation.     Electrical Infrastructure coverage in Tulsa, OK; shown on the LandGate platform                                     Meeting future electricity demand will require more than adding capacity; it will require better visibility into where projects are most likely to succeed.  LandGate’s data and site selection tools help utilities, developers, and energy professionals identify locations with stronger underlying electrical infrastructure  and lower development risk, including areas where zoning restrictions or development moratoria may affect project feasibility. With access to ATC (Available Transfer Capability ) and AOC (Available Offtake Capacity)  data, users can assess grid strength, compare potential network upgrade costs, and evaluate where new generation or large loads are most feasible. LandGate’s platform also provides visibility into load growth and generation interconnections, helping stakeholders make informed decisions that support reliable, future-ready power systems. To learn more, book a demo  with LandGate’s dedicated infrastructure team.

The second week of 2026 highlights an industry-wide pivot toward nuclear energy integration and the massive capital requirements needed to sustain the AI infrastructure boom. As developers face increasing local resistance through new moratoriums, the focus has intensified on securing long-term power autonomy and creative financing solutions to keep next-generation projects on track. Meta Unveils 6.6GW Nuclear Power Strategy Meta has announced a major shift in its energy procurement strategy, unveiling three nuclear energy deals  aimed at securing 6.6GW of power for its U.S. data centers by 2035. Clean Energy Goals : The deals are designed to support Meta's long-term sustainability targets while ensuring a stable, high-capacity power supply for its expanding AI footprint. Infrastructure Impact : By committing to nuclear power, Meta is signaling a move away from sole reliance on the traditional grid, which has become increasingly constrained by hyperscale demands. SB Energy Secures $1 Billion for Stargate Site Expansion SB Energy, a subsidiary of SoftBank, has secured $1 billion in funding  from OpenAI and SoftBank to expand solar and energy infrastructure at the Stargate site in Texas. Integrated Power Solutions : The investment will be used to enhance existing solar assets and energy infrastructure, directly supporting the massive power needs of the Stargate data center expansion. Collaborative Investment : The involvement of OpenAI highlights the deepening vertical integration between AI developers and energy providers to ensure physical infrastructure can keep pace with model training requirements. Patmos Hosting Secures Record $100 Million C-PACE Loan Patmos Hosting Inc. has secured a $100 million C-PACE loan  to continue developing the former Kansas City Star  building into a multi-use AI campus. Historic Financing : This transaction marks the largest Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) deal in Missouri history. Infrastructure Scope : The funding will support energy-efficient improvements and electrical infrastructure for the 421,112-square-foot facility, which will eventually feature 35MW of power for high-density GPU and AI workloads. Speed to Market : Patmos is transforming the brownfield site into a technology hub that includes data center functions alongside coworking and event spaces. Moody’s Forecasts $3 Trillion Capital Need Through 2030 A new analysis from Moody’s  indicates that the data center sector will require up to $3 trillion in investment through 2030 to meet global demand. Unprecedented Demand : The report suggests that the current construction frenzy is only the beginning, with sustained capital inflows necessary to support the transition to AI-centric computing. Alternative Financing : In a sign of shifting capital structures, Patmos Hosting Inc recently secured a $100 million C-PACE loan to develop its Kansas data center into a multi-use AI campus, demonstrating the use of specialized debt for large-scale projects. Local Moratoriums and Legislative Hurdles in Georgia & Michigan While investment continues to surge, local municipalities are increasingly pulling the "emergency brake" on new developments due to resource concerns. Georgia and Michigan : Both Roswell, GA , and Saline, MI , have moved to pass moratoriums on new data center developments to assess their impact on local infrastructure. Impact on Viability : These legislative pauses are forcing developers to seek "behind-the-meter" solutions or move to regions with more favorable regulatory environments to avoid project delays. Infrastructure Solutions for Data Center Developers As regulatory hurdles and power constraints become the primary bottlenecks for growth, LandGate provides the parcel-level intelligence and energy availability data needed to navigate complex siting requirements. Book a demo with our team today  to explore our tailored solutions for data center developers or visit our   resource library  for the latest industry insights.