Maryland, October 16, 2025
Virginia has emerged as a leading hub for massive data centers, thanks to its reliable power supply and robust infrastructure, attracting major tech firms. In response, Maryland is considering a similar expansion to reap economic benefits. However, the state faces significant challenges related to energy supply and stringent environmental regulations, which could hinder its ambitions to catch up with Virginia’s data center development.
Sterling, Virginia
PowerHouse Data Centers, in partnership with Harrison Street, is developing the PowerHouse Pacific Data Center in Sterling, Virginia. This hyperscale campus will consist of three buildings totaling approximately 1.2 million square feet and a 2-acre power substation. The facility is slated for completion by late 2026 to early 2027.
Major Data Center Projects in Virginia
EdgeCore Digital Infrastructure has announced plans to invest approximately $17 billion in a 3.9 million-square-foot data center campus in Louisa County, Virginia. This facility is expected to support over 1.1 gigawatts of power and will serve hyperscale clients, including cloud providers and artificial intelligence firms. The project is part of a broader trend of substantial investments in Virginia’s data center sector.
PowerHouse Data Centers, in partnership with Harrison Street, is developing the PowerHouse Pacific Data Center in Sterling, Virginia. This hyperscale campus will consist of three buildings totaling approximately 1.2 million square feet and a 2-acre power substation. The facility is slated for completion by late 2026 to early 2027.
Regulatory Developments and Community Responses
Henrico County has implemented new regulations requiring a provisional use permit for all data center constructions, including those in the White Oak Technology Park. These regulations apply retroactively to projects that have been rezoned but not yet received final site plan approval or begun construction. The move aims to provide greater oversight and address community concerns regarding data center developments.
In Louisa County, Amazon Web Services (AWS) withdrew plans for a 7.2 million-square-foot data center after community pushback. Residents expressed concerns about water availability and the impact on the rural landscape, leading AWS to reconsider the project.
Economic Impact and Future Outlook
Virginia’s data center industry contributes significantly to the state’s economy, with estimates indicating it adds 74,000 jobs, $5.5 billion in labor income, and $9.1 billion to the GDP annually. The ongoing expansion reflects the growing demand for data processing and storage, driven by advancements in cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
As the industry continues to expand, balancing economic growth with environmental and community considerations remains a key focus for policymakers and developers in Virginia.
FAQ
What is the PowerHouse Pacific Data Center project in Sterling?
PowerHouse Data Centers, in partnership with Harrison Street, is developing the PowerHouse Pacific Data Center in Sterling, Virginia. This hyperscale campus will consist of three buildings totaling approximately 1.2 million square feet and a 2-acre power substation. The facility is slated for completion by late 2026 to early 2027.
What are the major data center projects in Virginia?
EdgeCore Digital Infrastructure has announced plans to invest approximately $17 billion in a 3.9 million-square-foot data center campus in Louisa County, Virginia. This facility is expected to support over 1.1 gigawatts of power and will serve hyperscale clients, including cloud providers and artificial intelligence firms. The project is part of a broader trend of substantial investments in Virginia’s data center sector.
What regulatory developments are affecting data centers in Virginia?
Henrico County has implemented new regulations requiring a provisional use permit for all data center constructions, including those in the White Oak Technology Park. These regulations apply retroactively to projects that have been rezoned but not yet received final site plan approval or begun construction. The move aims to provide greater oversight and address community concerns regarding data center developments.
Why did AWS withdraw its data center plans in Louisa County?
Amazon Web Services (AWS) withdrew plans for a 7.2 million-square-foot data center in Louisa County after community pushback. Residents expressed concerns about water availability and the impact on the rural landscape, leading AWS to reconsider the project.
What is the economic impact of Virginia’s data center industry?
Virginia’s data center industry contributes significantly to the state’s economy, with estimates indicating it adds 74,000 jobs, $5.5 billion in labor income, and $9.1 billion to the GDP annually. The ongoing expansion reflects the growing demand for data processing and storage, driven by advancements in cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
Key Features
| Project | Location | Investment | Size | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EdgeCore Digital Infrastructure | Louisa County | $17 billion | 3.9 million square feet | Ongoing |
| PowerHouse Pacific Data Center | Sterling | Not specified | 1.2 million square feet | Late 2026 to early 2027 |
| AWS Data Center | Louisa County | Not specified | 7.2 million square feet | Withdrawn |
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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.
