Pennsylvania to build largest natural gas power plant in the US.

Pennsylvania plans to redevelop a former coal-fired power plant site into the largest natural gas power center in the United States. This project is considered the largest capital investment in Pennsylvania’s history, aimed at meeting the rapidly growing demands for artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC), while also promoting energy transition and economic growth.

The project, led by Homer City Redevelopment (HCR) in partnership with Kiewit Power Constructors, aims to transform the former Homer City power station (one of Pennsylvania’s largest coal-fired power plants) into a 3,200-acre data center campus. Located 50 miles from Pittsburgh and less than 300 miles from major urban areas, the campus is expected to provide stable power supply for the local grid and data centers. Construction is set to begin in 2025, with the first equipment planned for delivery in 2026. The overall power generation capacity is projected to reach 4.5 gigawatts, surpassing Florida’s West County Energy Center at 3,777 megawatts, making it the largest gas-fired power plant in the U.S.

HCR President William Wexler stated that this project not only pays tribute to Homer City’s energy history but also addresses fast-evolving energy demands. The original 2-gigawatt coal power plant in Homer City, which started operations in 1969, was retired in 2023, known for its pollution and a towering 1,217-foot chimney. Kiewit will be responsible for the project’s engineering, procurement, and construction, utilizing existing transmission lines and water sources for infrastructure transformation.

This project is a crucial part of Pennsylvania’s gradual phase-out of coal in favor of natural gas. Currently, over half of the state’s electricity comes from natural gas, with Pennsylvania ranking second in natural gas production nationwide, behind only Texas. The project is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 60% to 65% while providing cleaner energy to support multiple data centers and the local grid. It will create over 10,000 construction jobs and 1,000 permanent positions, driving billions of dollars in investments into the region. Furthermore, the construction of the project will help alleviate energy supply pressures in the Atlantic region.

Pennsylvania State Senator Joe Pittman describes the project as “historic and exciting” news, emphasizing that this investment will bring unprecedented opportunities to Indiana County and the surrounding areas. The advancement of the project will not only provide valuable job opportunities locally but will also have a profound impact on the state’s energy industry. HCR and Kiewit have pledged to ensure a rapid and smooth transition process while maintaining high safety and quality standards, boosting America’s global competitiveness in AI and energy fields.