Active Infrastructure is stepping into the spotlight with its ambitious plan to transform 362 acres in Leesburg, Virginia, into the Spring Valley Technology Park, a state-of-the-art data center campus. This project is not just another brick in the wall of data storage; it aims to redefine how data centers operate, particularly in terms of energy consumption and environmental impact. With plans to incorporate on-site clean energy generation and a sophisticated battery storage system, Active Infrastructure is setting the stage for a new era in data management.
Currently, the land is designated as a “Transition Large Lot Neighborhood,” primarily intended for low-density housing. However, Active Infrastructure is preparing to submit a rezoning application, a move that signals their commitment to not only meet the growing demand for data center space but also to address local concerns about energy use and environmental sustainability. The proposed development will cover a staggering 3.5 million square feet, or 325,161 square meters, making it a significant player in the already bustling Northern Virginia data center market.
One of the standout features of the Spring Valley Technology Park is its reliance on “natural gas-powered hydrogen fuel cells.” These fuel cells promise to generate electricity without combustion, which means lower emissions—an appealing prospect for a region that has seen increasing scrutiny over the environmental footprint of data centers. The project will also utilize a utility-scale battery energy storage system, which not only stabilizes the electrical grid but also has the capability to send excess power back to the larger grid. This is a game-changer, particularly in a region where local lawmakers have recently tightened restrictions on data centers due to concerns about their impact on the electrical grid.
In July, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted to remove data centers as a by-right use across all zones, a decision that has stirred the pot in the local development community. Supervisor Mike Turner’s push for stricter zoning rules highlighted the strain that the growing concentration of data centers has placed on the local grid. Turner’s call for on-site generation or microgrids as a prerequisite for new data center applications is precisely what Active Infrastructure is delivering with its proposal. The company’s approach is a direct response to these regulatory shifts, showcasing how developers can align their projects with community needs and sustainability goals.
Active Infrastructure’s commitment to minimizing visual impact is another thoughtful touch. The design plans include dense forest setbacks and over 60 percent open space, which should help ease community concerns about the aesthetic implications of such a large-scale development. The company has made it clear that they are not just looking to build a data center; they aim to create a responsible, community-friendly facility that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
The leadership team behind Active Infrastructure brings a wealth of experience to the table. Founded by Jeffrey Zygler, who has a strong background in real estate development, and supported by Michael Grella, a former Amazon Web Services executive, the company is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of this project. With additional markets already identified in Columbus, Ohio, and Phoenix, Arizona, Active Infrastructure is not just a local player; it’s poised to make waves across the data center industry.
As the approval process unfolds, all eyes will be on how this project evolves in the face of regulatory scrutiny and community feedback. If successful, Spring Valley Technology Park could serve as a blueprint for future developments, demonstrating that data centers can be both economically viable and environmentally responsible. The stakes are high, and the outcomes could very well shape the future landscape of energy consumption in the tech sector.
