Virginia, October 19, 2025
Virginia is experiencing a significant construction boom in data centers, driven largely by one dominant company. This expansion is rapidly reshaping the state’s infrastructure and economy, as enormous projects are being developed to accommodate the rising demands of the tech industry. The surge in construction activities has surpassed initial expectations, indicating a robust growth trajectory for Virginia’s technology sector and its associated construction services.
Richmond
Virginia’s Data Center Construction Surge Continues
Virginia is experiencing an unprecedented surge in data center construction, with permits filed for 54 new facilities in the first nine months of 2025. This marks a 16% increase from the previous year, highlighting the state’s growing role in the digital infrastructure sector.
Amazon’s Dominant Role in Expansion
Amazon is at the forefront of this expansion, filing permits for 28 new data centers in Virginia. This would bring the company’s total to 205 facilities in the state, a 15% increase from 2024. Notably, 48 of these new centers are classified as “hyperscale,” each consuming an estimated 40 megawatts or more, reflecting the industry’s shift towards larger, more power-intensive operations.
Regional Developments and Economic Impact
The data center boom is not limited to Northern Virginia. In Richmond, the capacity surged from 100 MW to over 800 MW in the first half of 2025, making it the fastest-growing U.S. data center market. Additionally, EdgeCore Digital Infrastructure plans to invest close to $17 billion in a 1.1-gigawatt campus in Louisa County, further diversifying the state’s data center landscape.
Economically, data centers contribute significantly to Virginia’s economy, primarily during their construction phases. The industry is estimated to contribute 74,000 jobs, $5.5 billion in labor income, and $9.1 billion in GDP to the state annually.
Environmental and Community Considerations
Despite the economic benefits, the rapid expansion of data centers has raised environmental and community concerns. Projects like the Prince William Digital Gateway, a $24.7 billion development, have faced delays due to local opposition and legal challenges.
Conclusion
Virginia’s data center construction boom is reshaping its infrastructure and economy, driven predominantly by major tech companies like Amazon. While this growth offers substantial economic benefits, it also presents challenges that require careful consideration and planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is driving the surge in data center construction in Virginia?
The surge is primarily driven by major tech companies, notably Amazon, which has filed permits for 28 new data centers in Virginia, bringing its total to 205 facilities in the state.
How does Virginia’s data center capacity compare to other U.S. markets?
Richmond’s data center capacity surged from 100 MW to over 800 MW in the first half of 2025, making it the fastest-growing U.S. data center market.
What are the economic impacts of data centers in Virginia?
Data centers contribute significantly to Virginia’s economy, with the industry estimated to contribute 74,000 jobs, $5.5 billion in labor income, and $9.1 billion in GDP to the state annually.
What environmental and community concerns are associated with data center expansion?
The rapid expansion has raised environmental and community concerns, with projects like the Prince William Digital Gateway facing delays due to local opposition and legal challenges.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of New Data Centers | 54 permits filed in the first nine months of 2025, a 16% increase from 2024. |
| Amazon’s Expansion | 28 new data centers planned, increasing total to 205 facilities in Virginia, a 15% increase from 2024. |
| Hyperscale Facilities | 48 of Amazon’s new centers are classified as “hyperscale,” each consuming 40 MW or more. |
| Richmond’s Growth | Data center capacity increased from 100 MW to over 800 MW in the first half of 2025, leading U.S. markets. |
| Economic Contribution | Data centers contribute 74,000 jobs, $5.5 billion in labor income, and $9.1 billion in GDP to Virginia annually. |
| Environmental Concerns | Projects like the Prince William Digital Gateway face delays due to local opposition and legal challenges. |
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Author: VIRGINIA STAFF WRITER
The VIRGINIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionvanews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Virginia and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Virginia Build Expo, major infrastructure projects, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors of Virginia and the Home Builders Association of Virginia, plus leading businesses in construction and legal services that power the local economy such as CMiC Global and Williams Mullen. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructiontxnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
