New Jersey is a major U.S. data center market, with artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and colocation infrastructure driving new development and investment. Blackridge Research tracks upcoming data center projects in New Jersey, representing approximately 360 MW of planned capacity and USD 16 billion in projected construction expenditure.

Major data center projects include the DataOne and Nebius campus in Vineland, CoreWeave's Kenilworth data center, ON3 data center, Chirisa's Piscataway campus, and the proposed Bell Works facility in Holmdel. These projects span AI infrastructure, hyperscale computing, and colocation, with development activity extending across North, Central, and South Jersey.

This article examines New Jersey's data center market, highlighting five major upcoming projects alongside their planned capacity, investment, developers, development status, and expected timelines.

Latest List of Top 5 Upcoming Data Center Projects in New Jersey, USA 2026

DataOne / Nebius AI Data Center, Vineland

DataOne, in partnership with Nebius Group, is developing a proposed 300 MW hyperscale AI data center campus in Vineland, Cumberland County, New Jersey. Located at 3963 S. Lincoln Avenue, the project is designed to support high-density GPU computing infrastructure and is linked to Nebius's large-scale AI cloud capacity agreement with Microsoft. The campus is planned to expand across multiple phases, with some project estimates indicating a potential capacity of up to 350 MW.

The development is planned to include approximately 2.6 million square feet of data center space across multiple buildings. Its infrastructure strategy includes high-density cooling systems and on-site power generation using Bloom Energy solid-oxide fuel cells. 

The project has received municipal approvals for phased development and on-site liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage. However, construction progress and interim operations have faced regulatory scrutiny over air permits for temporary natural gas generators, environmental concerns, and opposition from nearby residents.

Capacity and Power Infrastructure

The DataOne / Nebius AI data center campus is designed to provide approximately 300 MW of initial planned capacity. The proposed development encompasses approximately 2.6 million square feet across multiple buildings, with high-density infrastructure designed to accommodate advanced AI computing systems, including NVIDIA Blackwell-generation GPUs.

Bloom Energy is expected to supply the permanent on-site power infrastructure through a fuel-cell installation planned across three phases. Project information indicates approximately 328 MW of total installed fuel-cell capacity, including 250 MW of guaranteed capacity. The behind-the-meter arrangement is intended to reduce dependence on the regional electricity grid.

The power strategy also includes on-site LNG storage approved as part of the project's Phase 2 planning process. The fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical process rather than conventional combustion, although the overall environmental impact depends on the fuel source and system performance.

During the initial deployment, DataOne used temporary natural gas-powered generators to support early computing operations while permanent power infrastructure was being developed. 

Development Status and Timeline

• June 2024: Vineland approved the initial site plan and Phase 1.

• January 2026: The City Council approved a five-year PILOT tax agreement.

• August 2026: Phase 2, including a 600,000-square-foot expansion and on-site LNG storage, received approval.

• September 2026: NJDEP imposed a reported USD 1.07 million penalty over air-permitting violations involving temporary natural gas generators.

• October 2026: Construction continued amid regulatory scrutiny of interim power arrangements.

• Target operations: The campus is targeting initial operations by 2027, subject to construction and infrastructure timelines.

Key Contractors and Partners

CoreWeave Kenilworth Data Center, New Jersey

CoreWeave is developing a major AI data center at the former Merck pharmaceutical research campus in Kenilworth, Union County, New Jersey. Located at 2000 Galloping Hill Road within the Northeast Science & Technology (NEST) Center, the project represents an estimated USD 1.8 billion investment to convert an existing laboratory building into a high-performance computing facility. 

The initial phase centers on NEST 11, a former 280,000-square-foot laboratory building undergoing renovation and expansion to approximately 392,600 square feet.

The initial phase is planned to support approximately 40 MW of IT capacity, with the wider campus master plan targeting up to 250 MW through future expansion. 

The project includes closed-loop cooling infrastructure and dedicated electrical upgrades, including a new substation supported by approximately USD 150 million in investment from CoreWeave. Construction began in 2025, and the initial facility is targeted to become operational in early 2027.

Capacity and Power Infrastructure

The CoreWeave Kenilworth data center is planned to scale to approximately 250 MW of total site capacity, with the initial NEST 11 facility designed around a 40 MW load. The first phase involves converting an existing pharmaceutical research building into modern data halls for AI workloads, while additional development on the adjacent property could support future capacity expansion.

Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is the primary utility partner. CoreWeave is funding approximately USD 150 million in electrical infrastructure upgrades, including a dedicated substation, to support the facility's power requirements and strengthen local grid infrastructure.

The campus also has access to an existing 25 MW natural gas-fired cogeneration plant that previously served the pharmaceutical research facility. Project information indicates that the plant is transitioning to behind-the-meter service to support data center operations. Planning documents also identify 31 standby generators for emergency backup power.

The facility is designed around a closed-loop cooling system that recirculates coolant. Project materials estimate an initial system fill of approximately 310,000 gallons, with subsequent water consumption expected to be substantially lower than that of a conventional water-intensive cooling system.

Development Status and Timeline

• Late 2024: CoreWeave signed a long-term lease for the NEST 11 building.

• May 2025: The Joint Land Use Board approved the initial conversion application.

• August 2025: CoreWeave acquired the facility and adjacent land for approximately USD 322 million.

• September 2025: Construction and conversion work began.

• November 2025: NJEDA approved up to USD 250 million in five-year tax credits.

• April 2026: The board approved subdivision of the property into four lots.

• Current status: Construction and electrical and cooling infrastructure development continue.

• Target operations: Early 2027 for the initial facility, with longer-term plans to expand campus capacity toward 250 MW.

Key Contractors and Partners

Chirisa Piscataway Data Center Campus

Chirisa Technology Parks (CTP) is expanding its data center campus in Piscataway, Middlesex County, New Jersey, through two development phases, PNJ-01 and PNJ-02. The 20-acre campus is designed to provide approximately 90 MW of critical power capacity for high-density computing and artificial intelligence workloads. The project combines the adaptive reuse of an existing data center building with an adjacent two-story greenfield development.

The campus is being developed to accommodate high-density GPU infrastructure and advanced cooling requirements. Power infrastructure is scheduled to reach 90 MW by mid-2026, while both PNJ-01 and PNJ-02 are reserved for delivery in 2027. The expansion forms part of Chirisa's broader strategy to develop hyperscale AI and high-performance computing infrastructure.

Capacity and Power Infrastructure

The Chirisa Piscataway campus is planned to deliver approximately 90 MW of critical power across its two development phases, PNJ-01 and PNJ-02. The project repurposes an existing colocation facility while adding a new two-story data center building to expand the campus's capacity for high-density AI workloads.

The electrical infrastructure is designed to support dense GPU clusters and high-performance computing deployments. Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is the regional utility partner supporting the planned power delivery and grid infrastructure.

The campus is also designed to accommodate direct-to-chip liquid cooling, which transfers heat directly from processors to a circulating liquid coolant. This approach supports the thermal requirements of high-density AI servers and helps manage the heat generated by large GPU deployments.

Development Status and Timeline

• 2024: Construction and expansion activities commenced at the Piscataway campus, focusing on preparing the existing facility and planning additional power and cooling infrastructure.

• Mid-2026: The project was scheduled to reach its planned 90 MW critical power availability milestone.

• 2027: PNJ-01 and PNJ-02 are scheduled for delivery. According to developer information, both phases are fully reserved for 2027.

• Current status: The campus expansion involves retrofitting the existing building shell and constructing an adjacent two-story greenfield facility. The development is progressing toward the planned 2027 delivery window.

Key Contractors and Partners

ON3 Data Center, New Jersey

The ON3 Data Center is a proposed data center development at 275 Kingsland Street on the ON3 campus, which spans Nutley and Clifton, New Jersey. Developed by Prism Capital Partners, the project is planned for an 11-acre parcel at the intersection of Kingsland Street and Cathedral Avenue. The site is advertised with a power allocation of up to 65 MW and is being marketed for a potential build-to-suit facility of approximately 150,000 square feet.

Capacity and Power Infrastructure

Prism Capital Partners has marketed the parcel for a potential build-to-suit facility of approximately 150,000 square feet. The final building design, installed IT capacity, and construction schedule remain subject to further planning and project approvals.

The broader ON3 campus has an existing 10 MW co-hybrid central utility plant that supports its mixed-use operations. The plant forms part of the campus's on-site energy infrastructure and is intended to help manage electricity demand alongside the regional grid. Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is involved in campus electrical infrastructure upgrades and energy-efficiency improvements.

Development Status and Timeline

• 2016: Prism Capital Partners acquired the former Hoffmann-La Roche property and began redeveloping the 116-acre site into the ON3 mixed-use campus.

• July 2025: Prism withdrew its earlier truck depot proposal for the 275 Kingsland Street parcel following community concerns. Municipal redevelopment and zoning approvals subsequently allowed the site to accommodate a data center or other permitted uses.

• Late 2026: The data center remained proposed and approved at the zoning level. Detailed facility plans had not yet been submitted to the local planning board, and construction had not started.

• Future development: Prism must advance the site-specific planning and approval process before physical construction can proceed. The facility's construction start date and operational timeline have not been confirmed.

Key Contractors and Partners

Bell Works Data Center, New Jersey

The Bell Works Data Center is a proposed 40 MW data center development at the historic Bell Works campus in Holmdel Township, New Jersey. Developed by Inspired by Somerset Development, the project is planned for an approximately 12-acre parcel behind the main Bell Works building. The proposal includes a two-story facility spanning approximately 108,000 square feet, along with a dedicated generator yard and supporting utility infrastructure.

Capacity and Power Infrastructure

The proposed Bell Works Data Center is designed for a continuous power demand of approximately 40 MW. At full load, this would represent an estimated 960 MWh of electricity consumption per day. The planned facility covers approximately 108,000 square feet and includes a generator yard measuring around 26,340 square feet.

The development is expected to use the existing Roberts Road Substation, built by Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) in 1960 to serve the former Bell Labs facility. Project proponents argue that the substation's original capacity of approximately 48 MW, combined with lower electricity demand at the modernized Bell Works campus, could help accommodate the proposed data center.

Development Status and Timeline

• July 21, 2026: Holmdel introduced an ordinance to ban data centers.

• July 24, 2026: Inspired by Somerset Development filed a site plan application for the proposed 40 MW facility.

• August 11, 2026: The township adopted the data center ban.

• August 26, 2026: Residents held a meeting to discuss community and environmental concerns.

• September 15, 2026: The Planning Board began reviewing the application.

• October 2026: The township moved to appoint a public land-use advocate amid the ongoing dispute.

• Current status: The project remains under planning review, with construction and operational dates unconfirmed.

Key Contractors and Partners

Data Center Construction & Investment Activity in New Jersey

New Jersey's data center development pipeline includes 8 tracked projects, with approximately 360 MW of combined capacity and USD 16 billion in projected construction expenditure, according to Blackridge Research data. The projects range from proposed facilities awaiting planning approvals to large AI-focused campuses under construction.

Of the tracked projects, 4 are in the planning stage, 3 are under construction, and 1 has been announced. Under-construction developments account for approximately 350 MW of capacity and USD 7.5 billion in projected expenditure, while planning-stage projects represent USD 8.3 billion in investment. The announced project accounts for a further USD 150 million in projected expenditure.

New Jersey's development outlook reflects demand for AI computing, cloud services, and colocation, alongside challenges involving electricity supply, infrastructure upgrades, and municipal approvals. These factors will influence how quickly proposed projects progress toward construction and operation.

Conclusion

New Jersey's data center market continues to attract investment in AI infrastructure, cloud computing, and colocation facilities. Blackridge Research tracks eight upcoming projects with approximately 360 MW of combined capacity and USD 16 billion in projected construction expenditure. Major developments in Vineland, Kenilworth, Piscataway, and other locations illustrate the range of projects moving through the state's development pipeline.

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