The East Riverside Energy Center, a natural gas generation facility valued at $13 billion, will soon be built in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, representing the largest investment in the county’s history. As a result, the project will be located in Luzerne Township on the Monongahela River’s Fayette County bank and part of a $17 billion project in Pennsylvania. The East Riverside Energy Center is part of 4.3 gigawatts of capacity that is being funded with investment from Japan under the U.S.-Japan trade agreement. NextEra Energy Resources will develop and operate the facility through three phased commercial operations in the interim.

Fayette County Board of Commissioners Chairman Scott Dunn supported the project location because residents contacted him with offers from developers. In particular, the project will be on about 150 acres of contiguous land held by NextEra along the river. So three power blocks consisting of two gas turbines driving a single steam turbine, each rated about 1250 megawatts, will be connected to the PJM Interconnection regional grid.

Another major energy project advancing is the Homer City power plant & data center. Approximately 50 shipments of large cargo will be traveling along Routes 66 and 22 through January to transport the $10 billion Homer City Power Plant & data center project. The Homer City Power Plant & data center is the largest data center and power plant project in the U.S. to date. Truck drivers will experience intermittent but extended traffic delays at 3 mph, while motorists should be prepared for similar delays.

East Riverside Energy Center Targets Phased Production Starting 2030

East Riverside Energy Center is scheduled for commercial operation in 2030, 2031 and 2032, respectively. Additionally, NextEra anticipates 2,000 construction jobs and 100 permanent, full-time positions. This experience allows the company to be selected as the federal developer in March 2026. Furthermore, the water from the Monongahela River will be used by the East Riverside Energy Center to process water, with some returning to the river to keep environmental standards.

Revitalization Opportunity for Economically Distressed Region

The site is located on land which was previously unsuitable for any other development that was obtained from the coal mining industry. Plus, there is a precedent nearby – 620-megawatt Fayette Energy Facility, which has been operating since 2003 without any environmental complaints. The 16.8% poverty rate and the population decline of almost 10% since 2010 has created persistent economic struggles for Fayette County. In particular, Luzerne Township’s population has dropped to about 5,000 from its peak. Senator Dave McCormill said the East Riverside Energy Center is a symbol of renewal, “The Mon Valley region created steel, and now it will create power that will fuel America’s future.

Project Overview

• Project Name: East Riverside Energy Center
• Project Value: $13 Billion (of $17B Pennsylvania allocation)
• Location: Luzerne Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania (Monongahela River)
• Developer/Operator: NextEra Energy Resources
• Financing: Japan investment commitment under U.S.-Japan trade agreement
• Status: Definitive agreements executed August 12, 2026

Scope

• Three combined-cycle power blocks (1,250 MW each)
• 4.3-gigawatt total capacity
• Two gas turbines per steam turbine configuration
• PJM Interconnection regional grid connection
• 700 contiguous acres (150-acre facility footprint)

Project Highlights

• Largest investment in Fayette County history
• Approximately 2,000 construction jobs projected
• Also 100 permanent operational positions
• Revitalizes reclaimed coal mining property
• Phased operational capacity 2030-2032

Key Developments

• Project announced March 2026 (Project South Mon)
• Site also selected in Fayette County by June 2026
• Definitive agreements executed August 12, 2026

Key Challenges

• Managing community opposition from environmental advocates
• Coordinating Monongahela River water intake and treatment
• Also negotiating supply agreements for natural gas procurement

Outlook

• Phase 1 commercial operation targeted 2030
• Phase 2 and 3 operations 2031-2032 respectively
• Also special purpose vehicle (U.S.-Japan) to own site