Google Confirms Interest in 1,200-Megawatt Goochland Data Center Amid Local Opposition

Key points

• Google confirmed it is evaluating a roughly 1,000-acre property in West Creek Business Park for a 1,200-megawatt data center campus.
• The site is located within Goochland County’s Technology Overlay District (TOD), meaning the project would be a 'by-right' use and bypass public hearing processes.
• Google had previously engaged with the county in early 2024 but withdrew interest; it re-engaged after the TOD was adopted in November 2025.
• The project is part of a broader cluster of data center proposals in the region, including a 600-megawatt and a 200-megawatt facility, all filed with the State Corporation Commission in July 2026.
• Google already has a data center under construction in Chesterfield County and plans additional facilities in western Chesterfield.

Background

This development follows a trend of aggressive data center expansion in Virginia, where regulatory frameworks like the Technology Overlay District have streamlined approval processes. Earlier in 2026, Google faced regulatory halts in Finland for environmental violations related to AI infrastructure, highlighting the global scrutiny of such projects. Locally, the approval of the TOD in November 2025 has triggered legal challenges from Goochland residents, with a lawsuit currently pending in circuit court.

How outlets are covering it

Richmond BizSense and WTVR.com focus on the corporate and regulatory aspects, emphasizing Google’s due diligence and the 'by-right' zoning status that avoids public scrutiny. In contrast, WWBT highlights the community backlash, specifically from mothers in Henrico County who oppose the proximity of the facilities to homes and schools. While BizSense notes the legal ambiguity of the TOD adoption, WWBT underscores the lack of awareness among Henrico residents and the specific health concerns regarding diesel generators. The sources agree on the scale of the project but diverge on the framing: one views it as a business opportunity, the other as a public health threat.

Why it matters

The potential approval of a 1,200-megawatt facility in Goochland County represents a significant shift in how Virginia handles large-scale infrastructure. By bypassing public hearings through the TOD, the project sets a precedent for future data center developments in the region. The opposition from Henrico County residents highlights the cross-jurisdictional impacts of such projects, particularly regarding water usage, noise, and air quality, which may lead to further legal and political conflicts between neighboring counties.

What to watch

Google will complete its due diligence on the West Creek site. If it proceeds, the next step is site engineering and submitting a site plan to Goochland County. Meanwhile, the Goochland Board of Supervisors is reviewing the TOD, and a judge is expected to rule on the motion to dismiss the lawsuit challenging the district’s adoption. Henrico residents plan to continue attending meetings with county officials to voice their opposition.