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.
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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 $5 million 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.
Read also: Amazon Web Services (AWS) Announces $1 Billion Data Center in Marysville
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
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
