Proposed Chantilly data center could be powered by fuel cells

Atlanta-based T5 Data Centers has proposed a 312,000-square-foot data center in Chantilly, Fairfax County, Virginia, which plans to primarily use natural gas fuel cells for its electricity needs. The facility, intended for the Westfields International Center at Stonecroft Boulevard and Lee Road, would exceed the 80,000 square feet allowed for data centers in the current I-3 light intensity industrial district. Attorney Allison J. Reynolds of Walsh Colucci Lubeley & Walsh submitted a letter to Fairfax County on May 6, requesting a special exemption and clarification from Zoning Administrator Leslie Johnson. Reynolds seeks confirmation that the on-site fuel cells, which convert natural gas into electricity with minimal emissions, would be classified as a "utility facility, light" under county zoning, a permitted use in the I-3 district. The data center intends to utilize a hybrid power strategy, combining 60 megawatts from on-site fuel cells, electricity from Dominion Energy's power grid, and diesel generators for backup. The reliance on on-site generation is partly due to existing constraints on Dominion Energy's power grid. The property, currently owned by TAG Land Westfield Group, is being considered for a data center building that is expected to exceed 75 feet in height.