The Homer City Generation project in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, has recently completed its large-scale demolition and mass-excavation efforts ahead of schedule, shifting full focus onto vertical construction. Driven by developer Homer City Redevelopment (HCR) and builder Kiewit Power Constructors, the site of the former 2-gigawatt coal-fired plant is undergoing a $10 billion transformation into one of the nation’s largest natural gas-powered artificial intelligence (AI) data center campus.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued an air quality plan approval on November 20, 2025, allowing Homer City Generation to begin site preparation for the natural gas power plant at the 3,200-acre campus. Full construction is scheduled to start later in 2025, with electricity generation expected by 2027.
Former Homer City Power Station is set to become US’s largest natural gas-powered AI data center campus. Pennsylvania’s largest coal-burning power plant, the old Homer City Power Generating Station, is set for an unprecedented transformation. Located about 50 miles east of Pittsburgh, the site will be converted into a 3,200-acre natural gas-powered data center campus to serve the growing demands of artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.
Homer City Redevelopment (HCR) and Kiewit Power Constructors Co. collaborated to construct this innovative project, which will have seven gas-fired turbines generating up to 4.5 gigawatts of electricity—sufficient to power approximately 3 million households. Interestingly, the new plant should reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60-65% per megawatt hour compared to its previous coal-fired operation.
GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV) will deliver seven high-efficiency 7HA.02 hydrogen-fueled gas turbines, with initial deliveries scheduled for 2026. Kiewit Power Constructors Co., a leading engineering and construction contractor, will oversee the construction process this missive Homer city data center campus .
“This project will acknowledge Homer City’s place in the proud history of Pennsylvania energy production, while accelerating the state and local community’s ability to meet the needs of a rapidly changing energy era,” said HCR President and CEO William Wexler.
Key Accomplishments
Finished site preparation with the demolition of existing coal plant infrastructure and the excavation of over 3 million cubic yards of soil ahead of schedule.
Recycled over 112,000 tons of scrap metal during the demolition process.
Begun vertical construction with the GIS building.
Workforce consists of approximately 1,300 workers and is expected to reach a maximum of 10,000 construction jobs.
Project Specifications and Schedule
Seven hydrogen-enabled GE Vernova turbines will provide 4.4-4.5 GW of electricity.
Approximately one-third of the produced electricity will be used for powering on-site data centers, while over 1 GW of power will go to regional power grids.
The fuel source will come from connections with the major natural gas pipelines.
The delivery of the first turbines is expected later this year, and electricity production is planned for 2027-2028.
Community Concerns
Residents and environmental organizations are worried about the effects of the proposed pipeline on local streams, slopes, and watersheds.
Water consumption for the operation of the data centers remains unknown.
County officials have initiated the public comment process before the future hearings.
Read also: Project Sail: A $17 Billion Cluster of Data Centers Proposed in Coweta
Power generating facilities
The redevelopment rides on available infrastructures within the site, including transmission lines that are connected to the PJM and NYISO power systems, substations, and access. The construction of the power generating facilities will be initiated this year, while its power generation can be expected by 2027.
The build is a massive economic investment, with initial estimates in the $10 billion ballpark and potentially billions more to site prepare and construct data centers. The Pennsylvania state government has already awarded the project a $5M grant to move a gas line to the site, which is strategically situated over the Marcellus Shale natural gas reserve.
As part of the economic and energy benefits, the project is highly lucrative, with up to 10,000 job opportunities during its construction phase as well as nearly 1,000 permanent technological, operational, and energy-related jobs.
The Homer City project underscores Pennsylvania’s growing role as a major hub for large-scale data centers, highlighting the state’s ability to provide the infrastructure and resources needed for high-capacity computing. Pennsylvania already hosts some of the nation’s largest data centers, including Amazon’s $20 billion expansion to support its AI and cloud operations. Projects like Homer City reinforce the state’s strategic position in the data-driven economy and signal strong potential for future investments in both technology and energy infrastructure.
Read also: Amazon Web Services (AWS) Announces $1 Billion Data Center in Marysville
The redevelopment of the former Homer City Generating Station into a $10 billion AI data center campus has made significant progress as of early 2026. Following the implosion of the iconic cooling towers in early 2025, the project has secured critical air quality permits and established a primary natural gas supply partnership with EQT Corporation.
Current activity is focused on site preparation and the start of above-ground construction, with the first GE Vernova hydrogen-ready turbines expected to arrive later this year. The campus is on schedule to begin generating up to 4.5 gigawatts of power by 2027, transforming Pennsylvania into a major hub for hyperscale AI computing while creating thousands of regional jobs.
Pennsylvania has become a hub for large-scale energy and tech infrastructure investments. In addition to the Homer City Energy Campus, another major development was CoreWeave securing $4 billion in funding in July 2025 for its planned $6 billion AI data center campus in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, highlighting the state’s growing role in digital and energy infrastructure.
US’s Largest Natural Gas-Powered Data Center Campus: Project Factsheet
Project Overview
Location: Former Homer City Generating Station, 50 miles east of Pittsburgh, PA
Site Size: 3,200+ acres
Purpose: Natural gas-powered data center campus supporting AI and high-performance computing
Technical Specifications
Power Generation: Up to 4.5 gigawatts (equivalent to powering 3 million homes)
Technology: Seven GE Vernova 7HA.02 hydrogen-enabled gas turbines
Emissions Reduction: 60-65% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions per MWh compared to former coal plant
Existing Infrastructure: Transmission lines to PJM and NYISO power grids, substations, water access
Timeline
Construction Start: 2025
First Turbine Deliveries: 2026
Power Generation Target: 2027
Air permit Issuing: November 20, 2025
Homer City AI Data Center Campus: Economic Impact
Initial Investment: $10+ billion (potentially billions more for complete development)
Construction Jobs: 10,000+ direct on-site positions
Permanent Employment: Approximately 1,000 direct and indirect high-paying positions
State Support: $5 million grant for gas line extension
Partners
Development: Homer City Redevelopment (HCR)
Construction: Kiewit Power Constructors Co.
Equipment: GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV)
Read also: NorthPoint Plans Massive Data Center Campus at Keystone Trade Center
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