AVAIO Pittsburg Backup Generating Facility

The AVAIO Pittsburg Backup Generating Facility project, identified by solicitation number 24-SPPE-01, involves the design and construction of a 347,740 square foot three-story data center and an associated emergency backup power facility in the City of Pittsburg, California. The facility will feature thirty-seven 3 MW diesel-fired generators providing a total capacity of up to 92 MW to ensure uninterruptible power for tenant servers and life safety services during utility power losses. The project scope also includes an onsite project substation, a Pacific Gas and Electric Company switching station, and an onsite transmission line. The California Energy Commission granted a Small Power Plant Exemption for the facility on December 8, 2025, following an environmental review process. A Mitigated Negative Declaration and an Environmental Impact Report concluded that the project would not have significant environmental effects, provided that specific mitigation measures for air quality, biological resources, and greenhouse gases are implemented. Key regulatory requirements include compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act and the appointment of a Qualified Professional Paleontologist to oversee ground disturbance activities. Project management is coordinated through the California Energy Commission and the City of Pittsburg Planning Division.