Aligned Data Centers Breaks Ground on PHX-13 Facility in Glendale

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The new PHX-13 Data Center facility in Glendale, Arizona, under construction.

News Summary

Aligned Data Centers has commenced construction on its PHX-13 facility in Glendale, Arizona, as part of a large-scale expansion on a 100-acre campus. This new facility will operate at 72 megawatts, supported by a new 230 kV transmission line from Arizona Public Service. Local officials laud the economic benefits and sustainable practices, including a 73% reduction in water use, as the company aims for zero-carbon hosting by 2040.

Glendale, Arizona – Aligned Data Centers has officially broken ground on its new PHX-13 facility as part of a significant expansion initiative at a 100-acre campus in Glendale. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Tuesday, April 15, marking the company’s continued investment in the area, which plans to include four data center facilities in total.

The PHX-13 facility is designed to operate at 72 megawatts (MW), reinforcing the growing importance of data centers in powering various digital infrastructures. To accommodate the substantial energy requirements of the campus, Arizona Public Service (APS) will construct a new 230 kV transmission line dedicated to supporting the facility’s energy needs.

Local officials, including the city’s mayor, have expressed optimism about the economic benefits the data center will bring to the community. They highlight the vital role of such facilities in advancing the U.S. economy while fostering local growth.

Aligned Data Centers prides itself on a commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency. The PHX-13 facility is set to incorporate advanced Delta³ air cooling arrays that will efficiently manage heat at the source. Additionally, the facility’s closed-loop cooling system is expected to recycle water, achieving a significant reduction in overall water consumption. The development anticipates an over 73% decrease in annual water use compared to traditional data centers.

Aligned’s energy strategy focuses exclusively on utilizing renewable sources, with a long-term goal of achieving zero-carbon hosting by the year 2040. The transformation of the 100-acre property, which was previously a rose farm, embodies a sustainable redevelopment initiative.

As part of its development strategy, Aligned has enlisted Adaptive Modular Infrastructure (AMI) for the prefabricated construction of the facility. This approach aims to enhance safety, improve quality, promote sustainability, and expedite delivery timelines, ensuring that the facility meets the growing demand for data solutions efficiently.

Aligned recently acquired the land for the data center, spending $86.5 million on 100 acres located at 8785 N Reems Road and an additional $10.2 million on a separate site in Glendale as part of its expansion efforts. Prior to this, Aligned opened a 55-acre data center campus at 2500 W Union Hills Drive back in 2017, further establishing its footprint in the region with expansions in 2018.

Glendale is also home to other major data center developers, including Vantage and QTS, signaling a competitive environment for the growing technology sector. On another front, the Arizona Corporation Commission is currently investigating the energy demands that data centers impose on local taxpayers, reflecting wider conversations about infrastructure and resource use across the state.

Overall, the development of the PHX-13 facility is anticipated to provide significant economic benefits for Glendale and is viewed favorably by local leadership. The project emphasizes responsible development practices, sustainable energy use, and modern technological advancements within the data center industry.