CleanArc Data Centers has broken ground on a 900-megawatt hyperscale campus in Caroline County, Virginia, marking one of the largest single data center developments announced on the U.S. East Coast. The flagship VA1 campus is positioned to serve soaring demand for hyperscale compute, cloud platforms and AI infrastructure.
CleanArc plans to bring the first 300MW of grid power online in the first quarter of 2027, followed by another 300MW by 2030 and a final tranche of 300MW between 2033 and 2035. With nearly one gigawatt of planned capacity, the company is targeting major cloud and AI operators that require both large-scale density and long-term expansion paths.
State and local officials – including Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin – joined CleanArc Data Centers leadership to commemorate the launch of a project that aims to reshape the region’s digital infrastructure capacity and accelerate its position in the national data center market.
CleanArc CEO James Trout said the development underscores both the company’s strategy and the growing importance of high-efficiency infrastructure. “This campus reflects our commitment to delivering reliable, efficient and sustainable data center solutions while supporting the local economy,” Trout told attendees.
Sustainability is a central theme of the VA1 build. CleanArc is implementing closed-loop cooling systems to minimize water consumption, while site plans incorporate noise- and light-mitigation measures along with land conservation elements. Customers will also have the option to use CleanArc’s “True Additionality” energy model, where new clean energy is added directly to the regional grid serving the data center – an increasingly important consideration for hyperscalers facing aggressive emissions targets.
The campus also relies heavily on modular construction, using factory-built, pre-engineered components intended to reduce onsite complexity and shorten deployment timelines. CleanArc says this approach will help customers scale faster while reducing operational risk during construction.
The project is backed by majority investor Snowhawk, with additional funding from Nuveen and Townsend Group. Beyond its technical ambitions, VA1 is slated to drive substantial regional economic benefits. Caroline County projects approximately $13 million in new annual tax revenue – roughly 17 percent of its current general fund – and expects at least 50 permanent jobs, plus several hundred construction roles over the coming years. CleanArc is partnering with local vendors and workforce development organizations to direct spending back into the community.
Snowhawk Managing Partner Brian McMullen described the initiative as a major step in supporting the next era of cloud and AI growth. “This represents a significant investment in the future of digital infrastructure,” he said, emphasizing that sustainability and community integration were core to the decision to fund the project.
The groundbreaking comes at a time when hyperscale operators are racing to expand capacity across the U.S., driven by AI training clusters, cloud services and rising enterprise demand for high-density compute. Northern Virginia – already the world’s largest data center market – continues to attract mega-campus builds, though power limitations and rising land costs are pushing developers toward surrounding counties such as Caroline. CleanArc’s VA1 aims to position the region for the next decade of digital growth.
Executive Insights FAQ
What makes CleanArc’s VA1 campus significant for the hyperscale market?
Its near-1GW capacity, phased buildout and modular design position it as one of the largest future-ready AI and cloud campuses on the East Coast.
How does CleanArc address sustainability concerns?
The campus uses closed-loop cooling, land conservation measures and the “True Additionality” energy model to add new clean power to the regional grid.
Why is Caroline County an attractive location?
It offers available grid capacity, land for multi-phase growth and proximity to Northern Virginia’s data center ecosystem without its power constraints.
What economic impact is expected locally?
Roughly $13 million in annual tax revenue, creation of 50+ full-time jobs, and hundreds of construction roles during buildout.
Who is backing the project financially?
Majority investor Snowhawk, along with Nuveen and Townsend Group, are funding the campus to support long-term AI and cloud infrastructure needs.
