Docket Number
20-SPPE-02
Capacity
99.8 MW
Technology
Backup Generating System
Project Status
Under Review
Project Type
Small Power Plant Exemption
Project Description

The Lafayette Data Center project (LDC) would include demolition of existing improvements on a 13.04-acre site to construct a three-story 576,120 square foot data center building, utility substation, generator equipment yard, surface parking, and landscaping. The data center building will house computer servers for private clients in a secure and environmentally controlled structure and would be designed to provide 66 megawatts (MW) of power to information technology (Critical IT) equipment. Power to run the LDC would be provided by Silicon Valley Power. Backup generation capabilities in the event of a disruption of grid power would be provided by the Lafayette Backup Generation Facility (LBGF), which would have a generation capacity of up to 99.8 MW to support the need for the LDC to provide uninterruptible power supply for its tenant’s servers. The LBGF would consist of 44 diesel-fired backup generators arranged in a generation yard located on the south side of the LDC. Project elements will also include switchgear and distribution cabling to interconnect the generators to the LDC.

  • 5/20/2020 - Small Power Plant Exemption (SPPE) filed
  • 8/4/2022 - Notice of Preparation filed to the docket.
  • 1/30/2023 - Order dissolving the committee vacating orders and rulings filed to the docket.

Small Power Plant Exemption

The CEC has the exclusive authority to certify all thermal power plants 50 megawatts (MW) and larger and related facilities proposed for construction in California. The Small Power Plant Exemption (SPPE) process allows applicants with facilities between 50 and 100 MW to obtain an exemption from CEC’s jurisdiction and proceed with local permitting rather than requiring CEC certification. CEC can grant an exemption if it finds that the proposed facility would not create a substantial adverse impact on the environment or energy resources. Public Resources Code section 25519(c) designates CEC as the “lead agency”, in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), for all facilities seeking an SPPE. In granting an SPPE, the CEC is not the final approval necessary for construction and operation of a project. Instead, if the CEC grants an SPPE, the responsible local land use authorities and other agencies, such as the local air management district, will assume jurisdiction over the project under their respective permitting processes, and conduct any other necessary environmental review as “responsible agencies” under CEQA.

Contacts

Project Manager

Eric Veerkamp
STEPsiting@energy.ca.gov
916-661-8458

Public Participation Questions

Public Advisor
publicadvisor@energy.ca.gov
916-957-7910

Media Inquiries

Media & Public Communications Office
mediaoffice@energy.ca.gov
916-654-4989

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