Advancing Technology and Sustainability: The Gilroy Data Center Project

Gilroy, California, is set to become a hub for technological innovation with the recent approval of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Gilroy Data Center project (AS 20-23). Located on a 56-acre undeveloped parcel at 8050 Camino Arroyo, this ambitious project, spearheaded by Amazon Data Services, Inc., aims to deliver high-reliability data services while integrating significant environmental considerations, especially concerning energy and water use.

The Gilroy Data Center will be constructed in two phases, ultimately featuring two data center buildings and a security building, totaling approximately 438,500 square feet. This phased approach allows for flexible development aligned with projected customer demand.

A Commitment to Carbon-Free Energy

One of the most significant aspects of this development is AWS's commitment to utilize 100 percent carbon-free electricity supplied by Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) for the entire lifespan of the project. This commitment is a cornerstone of the project's sustainability strategy, aligning it with state and local renewable energy goals, including California's SB 100 mandate for 100 percent clean electricity by 2045. The project aims to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from electricity usage, ensuring consistency with applicable GHG emission plans and policies.

Beyond the energy source, the data center incorporates several design elements to enhance energy efficiency:

• Reflective roof surfaces.
• Compliance with or exceeding Title 24 requirements for building energy efficiency.
• Provision of Electric Vehicle (EV) parking spaces.
• Installation of low-flow plumbing fixtures.
• Landscaping designed to meet the City of Gilroy's low water use requirements.

These measures are intended to operate the data center as efficiently as practically feasible, minimizing wasteful or unnecessary energy consumption.

Innovative Backup Power Solutions

Data centers require a constant and reliable power supply. The Gilroy Data Center addresses this with a multi-pronged approach to backup power:

• Phase I will include 25 emergency diesel-fired generators (2.5 MW each) to power servers, along with a 600-kilowatt (kW) generator for essential building functions and a 175-kW generator for the security building. These diesel generators will be equipped with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) to reduce emissions by 85% or more and aim for EPA Tier 4 equivalency, consistent with Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) requirements.
• Crucially, Phase II of the project is planned to utilize emerging alternative backup generation technologies, such as battery storage or non-pipeline fuel cell technologies, to avoid the use of diesel-fired generators. This demonstrates a forward-looking approach to minimize direct emissions from backup power systems. Lithium-ion battery modules will provide temporary power during the brief period between a power outage and the startup of backup systems.

Water Resource Management

Water is crucial for data center cooling, especially in warmer months. The project's operational water use is estimated at approximately 23 acre-feet per year (AFY), or 7,494,550 gallons per year, with the majority needed for cooling during summer. While initially relying on potable water, a significant condition of approval requires future connection to recycled water facilities when they become fully operational. The cooling systems are designed to accept recycled water, indicating a proactive approach to sustainable water management and reducing demand on potable supplies.

Addressing Environmental Impacts

The project underwent a comprehensive Environmental Impact Report (EIR) process under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). While many potential impacts were mitigated to a less-than-significant level, two significant and unavoidable impacts were identified:

• Conversion of Prime Farmland and Farmland of Statewide Importance to non-agricultural uses. The project site was previously used for agriculture, but has been designated for general industrial use for over 25 years. Mitigation efforts include securing an agricultural easement to offset the acreage converted.
• Exceedance of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) thresholds. Despite implementing a voluntary commute trip reduction (CTR) program including ride-sharing, subsidized transit, vanpooling, and a marketing program, and purchasing carbon offsets, the project's projected VMT per employee would still exceed the established threshold due to Gilroy's limited multi-modal transportation infrastructure.

Despite these unavoidable impacts, the City of Gilroy found that the project's economic, legal, social, technological, and environmental benefits independently outweigh the remaining significant adverse impacts, leading to a "Statement of Overriding Considerations" for its approval. These benefits include:

• Increasing the city's tax base and contributing to County tax revenues.
• Creating construction-related jobs in the near term and technology and service employment in the long term.
• Positioning Gilroy as a hub for technology and innovation, attracting further business development.
• Contributing to the Gilroy Fire Department with $1 million for vehicle and equipment acquisition.

The Gilroy Data Center project represents a significant development for the region, balancing technological advancement with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility through renewable energy, efficiency measures, and strategic resource management.