Blackstone Group Halts Major Data Center Project in Virginia

Blackstone Group's subsidiary QTS announced on Thursday the termination of its planned 'Digital Gateway' data center project in Virginia, USA. The company is also withdrawing all associated application documents.

The project had been envisioned as the world's largest data center campus, intended to span 850 hectares. Despite receiving approval from the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, the initiative faced persistent local opposition and numerous lawsuits, leading to its discontinuation.

Virginia has seen a surge in data center construction, driven by increasing demand for artificial intelligence and cloud computing. While the state hosts one of the world's largest data center clusters and attracts significant tech investment, local communities and policymakers are increasingly concerned about issues such as growing electricity demand, land use, and water consumption associated with these facilities.

QTS stated that Virginia remains a key market for the company and intends to continue investing in Northern Virginia, the Richmond region, and central Virginia.