Virginia Breaks Ground on $49M AI Science Data Center

Scientists just got a powerful new tool to speed up discoveries that could change our lives, and it's taking shape right now in Newport News, Virginia.

The U.S. Department of Energy's Jefferson Lab celebrated the groundbreaking of a cutting-edge data center on Monday. The 30,000-square-foot facility will become home to the High Performance Data Facility, where researchers nationwide can tap into advanced computing and AI to accelerate their work.

"AI, advanced computing, and the experimental facilities of our National Laboratories are converging to change how discovery happens," said Darío Gil, DOE's Under Secretary for Science. "This is where our data, instruments, and computing meet and become usable to researchers nationwide."

Unlike massive commercial data centers built for streaming and social media, this facility is purpose-built for science. It will handle the specific computing needs of researchers studying everything from clean energy to new materials, helping them analyze massive datasets in real time.

Virginia invested $43.3 million in the project, with an additional $6 million in federal seed funding. Governor Abigail Spanberger joined U.S. Senator Mark Warner and other leaders at the ceremony, celebrating what the investment means for both science and the local economy.

The facility includes a 10,000-square-foot data hall and dedicated space for the computers and equipment that will power breakthrough research. Once complete, it will transform how scientists across the country access and share their data.

The Ripple Effect

This data center represents more than powerful computers in a building. It's part of the Genesis Mission, a government-wide effort to harness AI for scientific progress and clean energy solutions.

The partnership between Jefferson Lab, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Virginia Tech, and eight other Virginia universities creates a hub where the next generation of scientists will train. Students and researchers will work side by side on problems that matter, from developing better batteries to understanding the building blocks of matter.

Local communities benefit too. The facility brings high-tech jobs to Newport News and positions Virginia as a national leader in AI and data science. The collaboration shows what's possible when federal research priorities align with state investment and regional talent.

Jefferson Lab Director Jens Dilling captured the moment perfectly: "This facility will help researchers harness the power of data to accelerate breakthroughs and strengthen America's scientific leadership."

The building that rises on this spot will help scientists ask bigger questions and find answers faster than ever before.