San Jose, California, is set to host an ambitious project combining three 200 MW data centers and over 4,000 housing units as part of a proposed net zero community. Real estate developer Westbank and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) unveiled the plan during PG&E’s 2024 Innovation Summit, with support from San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. The project will pair AI-driven data centers with sustainable housing, aiming to address the city’s tech and housing needs while advancing its climate goals.
PG&E will power the development, providing 200 MW of energy for the data centers. A district energy system will integrate the data centers with the community, capturing excess heat from the centers to supply heating and hot water to nearby residential and commercial buildings. This approach minimizes energy waste, reduces electricity costs for tenants, and decreases carbon footprints for connected facilities. The plan supports San Jose’s vision of sustainable urban development, with Plug and Play, a global innovation platform, slated as the first tenant with its AI Center of Excellence.
Westbank CEO Ian Gillespie emphasized the dual purpose of the project. “This initiative is about addressing the need for housing and AI infrastructure while creating more inspiring communities that respond meaningfully to climate change. In PG&E, we have found a partner who shares our vision and commitment.”
• Key Points:
• 200 MW of power allocated for three AI-focused data centers.
• District energy system captures and reuses excess heat for surrounding community buildings.
• Over 4,000 housing units included in the proposal.
• Project aligns with San Jose’s net zero and urban innovation goals.
• Plug and Play’s AI Center of Excellence confirmed as the first tenant.
