Jefferson Lab Data Center construction begins
Construction has begun on a new $300 million data center at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility in Newport News, Virginia. This facility, funded in part by state tax money, will support high-performance computing for scientific research nationwide. Elected officials at the groundbreaking highlighted its lower power consumption compared to more controversial data centers in Northern Virginia.
Regional leaders gathered on June 12 in Newport News, Virginia, for a groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of construction for a new $300 million data center at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, also known as Jefferson Lab. This facility is designed to support high-performance computing and data services for scientific and engineering communities across the United States.
Funded in part by over $45 million in state tax money, the project is considered crucial infrastructure for the broader "Genesis Mission," an initiative led by the U.S. Department of Energy aimed at exploring the optimal use of artificial intelligence for scientific and power-related advancements. Congressman Rob Wittman was among the elected officials present, highlighting the project's significance.
The Jefferson Lab data center will feature 10,000 square feet for data and an additional 10,000 square feet for infrastructure equipment. Officials present at the event distinguished this project from more controversial data centers in Northern Virginia, noting its comparatively low estimated power consumption of 5 megawatts upon completion, in contrast to some northern Virginia facilities that use over 100 megawatts. They emphasized the project's role in attracting talent to Virginia and advancing scientific research.