The First AI Factory Equipped with Power Flexibility Has Opened

Virginia state has launched the world’s first power-flexible AI Factory, created by a coalition of leaders from the artificial intelligence and energy sectors. This facility, the Aurora AI Factory, with a capacity of 96MW, will serve to implement a new reference design and certification standard.

If the new power-flexibility reference design is adopted nationwide, it could unlock up to 100 GW of capacity in the existing electrical system. This corresponds to 20% of total electricity consumption in the U.S. Power-flexible artificial intelligence factories will accelerate the development of AI infrastructure by connecting faster to the electric grid, enhancing grid reliability and affordability.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin stated, "Virginia has long been a leader in data center investments, and in addition to its commitment to supporting economic development, it values maintaining the affordability and reliability of the energy grid." This pioneering design, built in Manassas, aims to boost U.S. artificial intelligence competitiveness.

Constructed by Digital Realty, the Aurora AI Factory is scheduled to open in the first half of 2026 and will be the first facility built in accordance with this new standard. The facility aims to serve as an innovation center focused on using existing power networks more efficiently, reducing grid pressure during peak demand periods, and contributing to a more stable energy future.

If the demand for artificial intelligence continues to grow, Emerald AI and NVIDIA are working on developing the AI factory infrastructure while also stabilizing the grid. Emerald AI's GridLink and Conductor products work in coordination with NVIDIA AI Enterprise components to provide a critical link between real-time grid needs and the operational controls of the data center.

To validate the effectiveness of the Aurora facility, tests will be conducted in collaboration with EPRI. These tests will examine the ability of data centers to provide grid services.

NVIDIA and Emerald AI previously conducted a groundbreaking test showcasing artificial intelligence data center flexibility through EPRI’s DCFlex initiative. Additionally, Emerald AI will conduct a demonstration in the United Kingdom together with National Grid and NVIDIA.

Marc Spieler emphasized the need to build power-flexible factories to support AI leadership and economic development, stating, "The Aurora project enabled Emerald AI to establish the standard architecture that will allow NVIDIA’s artificial intelligence platform to operate as a highly flexible energy asset."

This new system, with high growth potential, opens a new pathway to meet energy demand by merging the sustainable development of artificial intelligence with the growth of global energy grids.