San Jose city officials estimate there are approximately 20 active data center sites currently operating within the city. This count is an estimate, with the city’s planning department typically tracking only those data centers that use above 20 megawatts of electricity and require specific city permits.
Meanwhile, the city reports that 10 new data center projects are currently under review, and three projects were recently approved. This updated figure clarifies earlier reports of a higher number of projects, which the city explained included initial inquiries and pre-application projects that often do not proceed to formal submission.
The city’s count contrasts with the internationally recognized Data Center Map, which lists 47 data centers in San Jose. City officials contend that Data Center Map's methodology appears to overstate the number of facilities. They suggest this overstatement may be due to some facilities being double-counted, either through co-location or by listing both a campus and its individual buildings. The city also noted that Data Center Map includes some proposed centers in its tally.
A spokesperson for Data Center Map defended its data and methodology, stating that its count, both in San Jose and globally, is updated daily. The website compiles its data from multiple private and public sources, including data center operators and end users. Data Center Map functions as a marketing tool for operators and service providers, allowing them direct access to add and update their listings.
Data Center Map also monitors various external databases to identify missing or changed listings and receives tips from users about outdated information. The spokesperson acknowledged that a complete resource for data center registration does not exist, as there are no regulatory requirements to register these facilities in a central database. All existing databases rely on voluntary data submissions or information collected from providers and other sources. Data Center Map noted that covering thousands of global records in a constantly changing industry means its data is not 100% complete.
Data Center Map primarily tracks data centers from operators offering colocation or cloud services. It also includes selected crypto miners and hyperscale operators, such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta, and Apple, along with enterprise and government data centers. For a listing to qualify, a data center must have an initial capacity of at least 10 cabinets.
The expansion of data centers in California and across the nation shows no signs of slowing. Hundreds of these facilities are already established in major technology hubs like San Jose, Austin, and Northern Virginia. Residents and various climate groups have voiced concerns over the dramatic growth, citing potential strains on the electric power grid, increased water usage, and higher carbon emissions. These groups have called for a temporary moratorium on new data center construction.
In response to these concerns, the City of San Jose has initiated community forums across the city to discuss the issue. The City Council has also pledged to begin policy discussions later this year regarding data center expansion. Beyond San Jose, both Gilroy and the California Legislature are actively exploring ways to regulate the dramatic expansion of data centers.
