Dark smoke rose above a Virginia data center as a heat wave pushed the power grid close to its limits

In the heart of America's data center hub, Ashburn, Virginia, a heat wave has raised alarms about the sustainability of local power infrastructure. Over the July 4 weekend, dark smoke billowed from a Digital Realty data center, known as ACC9, as diesel generators were activated due to soaring temperatures. According to reports, the generators were employed as part of a demand-response initiative managed by PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator. This program is designed to alleviate pressure on the power grid during peak demand periods. With a significant increase in investment in data centers and energy facilities in recent years, the situation has sparked concerns about rising energy costs and environmental implications. Activists like Elena Schlossberg have criticized the reliance on diesel generators, likening it to a regressive approach to energy management. "We're talking about normalizing running our grid and protecting it with 18th-century electricity," she stated, highlighting the environmental risks associated with fossil fuel usage, particularly during extreme weather. Data centers represent a small fraction of participants in PJM's demand-response programs, accounting for roughly 5%. Manufacturers dominate these programs, making up 43% of the capacity. However, in areas like Ashburn, major players such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Equinix are among the largest electricity consumers. At the ACC9 data center, records indicate that multiple Caterpillar diesel generators, each capable of exceeding 2 megawatts, are on standby. While the company did not disclose how many were operational during the heat wave, it assured that regulations limit excessive generator use. A PJM report noted that around 3.25 gigawatts of generation resources operated beyond their limits during the recent heat wave. Local residents, such as Bobby Chahal from Leesburg, expressed concern over the ongoing emissions and noise pollution from the facilities. Chahal documented the smoke emanating from ACC9 and mentioned that his electricity bills have increased without any change in consumption. Despite the challenges, data centers have become a financial boon for local municipalities. Loudoun County, where Ashburn is situated, reported $875 million in revenue from data centers for the 2024 fiscal year, significantly reducing the tax burden on households. However, residents are divided over the trade-offs, with many feeling that the industrial landscape has detracted from their quality of life and property values.