As our lives become increasingly digital, the data center industry is stepping up to meet the surge in demand while driving innovations in energy efficiency and sustainability.
Leading data center companies have committed to purchasing clean energy and are heavily investing in new clean energy solutions to support the electrical grid, making the industry one of the largest purchasers of sustainable power in the United States.
Furthermore, data center companies across the nation are investing in their local communities by supporting programs in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education and workforce development.
They also volunteer with neighborhood organizations, enhance connectivity in rural areas, and undertake various beneficial initiatives.
According to one report on data centers, Ashburn in Northern Virginia handles a staggering 70% of all internet traffic. The area has 35 million square feet of data centers, serving over 3,500 tech companies.
A recent real estate and investment analysis highlights that the U.S. Data Center Report for Midyear 2024 reflected remarkable growth—construction activity has surged more than sevenfold in just two years.
Notably, build-to-suit projects are at the forefront, demonstrating a dynamic response to the ever-growing demand in this sector.
The report features a graph showcasing existing inventories in various regions.
Austin/San Antonio leads the pack with a 309% inventory level, followed by Salt Lake City at 218%. The Pacific Northwest is in the mix at 206%, while Northern Virginia and Phoenix follow closely with 186% and 183%, respectively.
Other notable regions making an impact include Las Vegas/Reno (137%), Atlanta (119%), Northern California (86%), Dallas-Fort Worth (82%), New Jersey (67%), Chicago (46%), Los Angeles (26%), New York (25%), Denver (15%), and Houston (10%).
Although Boston wasn’t ranked, a report from Data Center Frontier shines a light on its strong customer clusters in higher education, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, all driving demand for data center space.
Boston currently boasts 884,000 square feet of commissioned data center space, translating to an impressive 88 megawatts (MW) of commissioned power!
What’s particularly notable is the remarkable growth of data centers spurred by artificial intelligence (AI).
In 2024, it was announced that a facility in downtown Baltimore is gearing up for a major expansion.
AiNET said it was set to enhance its data center at 300 W. Lexington St., skyrocketing its capacity from 80 megawatts to 280 megawatts over the next few years.
This expansion is also expected to create up to 300 new jobs, contributing to the local economy and community.
AiNET, a leader in cloud infrastructure and data solutions, announced the upgrade for its Maryland data center in the summer of 2024.
By adding over 200 megawatts of power, AiNET is gearing up to meet the escalating power demands that accompany the rapid advancements in AI technologies.
These innovations are changing the game across various industries, unveiling remarkable opportunities for analysis, automation, and decision-making that all require substantial energy resources.
“This upgrade changes everything for AI. No one has enough power,” shares Palig Kelenjian, AiNET’s senior global project manager, highlighting the transformative nature of this development.
With this enhancement, AiNET’s total portfolio will expand to one gigawatt (1,000 megawatts), positioning the company to adapt to the industry’s evolving needs and support the exciting future of AI.
According to Tyrone Taborn, CEO of Career Communications Group (CCG) and publisher of Hispanic Engineer magazine, plans are underway to establish a pilot data farm at the newly rehabilitated Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center in West Baltimore.
CCG’s metaverse initiative, known as STEM City, aims to position Baltimore as a significant player in the data economy.
Taborn emphasized that Baltimore’s efforts align with broader legislative measures, including support for the AI Oversight Bill introduced by Senator Cory V. McCray.
This bill is designed to ensure ethical and transparent AI development, which is essential for managing the vast amounts of data generated by these new facilities.
Moreover, STEM City is advocating to enhance data security and provide economic benefits for the city.
“Establishing a local data farm in Baltimore is not just about technology—it’s about revitalizing the community,” Taborn stated. “The Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center symbolizes transformation, representing how cutting-edge technology can bring new life to underserved areas. By anchoring data operations in West Baltimore, this project promises to create jobs, promote education in AI and technology, and attract further investments.”
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