CleanArc $3B VA1 Data Center in Virginia Boosts Jobs & Growth
With the news of a massive new initiative in Caroline County, Virginia is expanding its influence as a data center global hub. Governor Glenn Youngkin announced it would be a $3 billion investment by CleanArc Data Centers, a hyperscale developer out of Las Vegas, to build a large campus in Ruther Glen. The first earth-moving event at VA1, the newly built area, is a big step in the county’s economy and a good indication for the state to remain a player in the digital infrastructure market.
“The project is the largest publicly-announced economic investment in Caroline County of all time,” Youngkin said. He also mentioned Virginia’s position as a worldwide leader in data centers and stated that CleanArc’s decision to open a new campus in Caroline County made him happy.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
Directly related to job creation, the number of new jobs is not impressive, but it is quite significant in a meaningful way. The VA1 site, when all facilities are up and running, will be able to create roughly 50 permanent jobs. These individuals will be in charge of data center operations, engineering, and support services. This is a very necessary fact that should be pointed out although the number itself may give the impression of insignificance in comparison to the scale of investment.
The employment side is not the only one worth mentioning. Indeed, this undertaking could bring additional revenue to the local community. CleanArc’s projection is that it will be able to contribute a little less than $13 million yearly in local tax revenue, which is almost 17 percent of Caroline County’s general fund at present. Data center incentives implemented by the state, such as exemption from sales and use tax for qualifying computer equipment and software, will be given to the project to make it financially feasible.
Phased Development and Technical Details
The VA1 campus is intended to be capable of holding 900 megawatts of the grid capacity of the area and the power will be delivered in three phases. The first 300 megawatts shall be in operation by the time the first quarter of 2027 is over. The third phase is to button up the 300-megawatt addition between 2033 and 2035. The second phase, thus, will raise 300 megawatts in 2030.
CleanArc intends to implement a modular installation for the site, which is a move that is supportive of the off-site production of the pre-engineered systems in such a way that; they will be capable of being set up on the site within a short period. The great acceleration in the deployment of the target, higher productivity and the possibility of the lower completion cost of the data centers will be the result of the implementation of this method compared to the traditional approach.
CleanArc Strategic Vision
CleanArc was founded in 2022. In a relatively short period the company has turned itself into a developer and operator that is strongly committed to sustainable development. The company promotes environmentally friendly concepts, efficient energy consumption and the production of the next-generation hyperscale facilities. VA1 will be the first data center campus for CleanArc in Virginia and this means the company will be extending its reach in addition to the places of Las Vegas, Reston, and Arlington, Texas.
According to James Trout, the founder, and CEO of CleanArc, VA1 is a “leading-edge campus” that will provide the stable, energy-saving, and eco-friendly data center solutions required by the region while promoting the local economy. The project is a manifestation of CleanArc’s wider vision of constructing technologically advanced facilities that accommodate the rapidly increasing global demand for digital infrastructure.”
Investment Partners and Financial Backing
The project has drawn interest from major investors. New York private equity firm Snowhawk is the majority investor in CleanArc, while Nuveen, the investment manager for TIAA, and the Cleveland-based Townsend Group are minority stakeholders. Snowhawk managing partner Brian McMullen emphasized the importance of the investment, highlighting its potential to support sustainable digital infrastructure and empower businesses and communities.
Sustainability and Community Considerations
Environmental and community impact are central to the VA1 design. CleanArc plans to implement closed-loop water systems to reduce water consumption and incorporate architectural features to minimize noise and light pollution. The design reflects a growing trend in the data center industry toward facilities that are both high-performance and environmentally responsible.
By prioritizing sustainability alongside technological efficiency, CleanArc aims to set a benchmark for future hyperscale developments in Virginia and beyond.
Looking Ahead
With groundbreaking ceremonies already completed, the VA1 campus will gradually take shape over the next decade. By the mid-2030s, the facility will reach its full 900-megawatt capacity, reinforcing Virginia’s role as the global data center capital. For Caroline County, the investment promises long-term economic benefits, job creation, and tax revenue, while CleanArc positions itself as a key player in sustainable digital infrastructure.
This project signals that Virginia remains a prime destination for large-scale data center investment, and VA1 could serve as a model for balancing growth, community impact, and environmental responsibility in the years ahead.