The former Homer City Generating Station in Pennsylvania will undergo a major transformation. Homer City Redevelopment (HCR) and Kiewit Power Constructors have announced plans to convert the site into a 4.5GW natural gas-powered data centre campus. Previously, the site housed the state’s largest coal-fired power plant. Now, it spans 3,200 acres and will supply energy for critical applications, including artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC).
Repurposing Homer City for the Future of Energy
The Homer City Energy Campus redevelopment will feature seven 7HA.02 hydrogen-enabled, gas-fired turbines from GE Vernova. Initial deliveries are expected in 2026, and Kiewit Power Constructors will oversee the construction. In addition, the project will utilize existing infrastructure, such as transmission lines connected to the PJM and NYISO grids, substations, and water access. Consequently, construction is scheduled to begin this year, with power generation anticipated by 2027.
Moreover, the redevelopment will provide up to 4.5GW of power. It will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60-65% per megawatt hour compared to the previous coal plant. This new energy source will help meet the growing demands of large-scale data centres and local grid systems.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The Homer City Energy Campus will create over 10,000 construction-related jobs. Additionally, approximately 1,000 permanent positions will be available in technology, operations, and energy infrastructure. Furthermore, the initial investment in infrastructure and site preparation is projected to exceed $10 billion, making it the largest investment of its kind in Pennsylvania. Additional funding will be sourced from the data centre development, further supporting the project’s growth.
Natural gas from the Marcellus Shale Region will power the new campus. Knighthead Capital Management, a long-term equity holder in Homer City, will continue to lead the financing.
Project Will Drive Pennsylvania’s Energy Transition
HCR President and CEO William Wexler emphasized the project’s significance. “This project will honor Homer City’s place in Pennsylvania’s energy history,” Wexler said. “Additionally, it will help the state meet the needs of a rapidly shifting energy landscape.” He also highlighted the economic opportunities this project will bring to Indiana County, the state, and the broader Mid-Atlantic region.
Conclusion
The redevelopment of the Homer City coal plant into a 4.5GW data centre hub is a major milestone for Pennsylvania’s energy future. With advanced technologies, economic growth, and reduced emissions, the Homer City Energy Campus will play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for data centre power in the region.
For more information on the Homer City Energy Campus, visit Homer City Redevelopment.
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