Homer City Redevelopment (HCR) and Kiewit Power Constructors have announced plans to transform the former Homer City Generating Station in Pennsylvania into a natural gas-powered data centre campus. The site, which previously housed the state’s largest coal-fired power plant, will span over 3,200 acres and supply energy for artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) applications.
The redevelopment will feature seven 7HA.02 hydrogen-enabled, gas-fired turbines from GE Vernova, with initial deliveries expected in 2026. Kiewit Power Constructors will oversee construction works.
It is expected to utilise existing infrastructure such as transmission lines connected to the PJM and NYISO grids, substations, and water access. Construction is set to begin this year, with power generation anticipated by 2027.
The Homer City Energy Campus is expected to deliver up to 4.5GW of power while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60–65% per megawatt hour compared to the former coal plant. It will also integrate secured long-lead power components and provide sufficient generating capacity to serve multiple large-scale data centres and local grid demands.
Economic benefits include the creation of over 10,000 construction-related jobs and approximately 1,000 permanent positions in technology, operations, and energy infrastructure.
The initial investment in power infrastructure and site preparation is projected to exceed $10bn, with additional funding expected from data centre development, marking the largest investment of its kind in Pennsylvania.
The Homer City Energy Campus will rely on natural gas sourced from the Marcellus Shale Region. Knighthead Capital Management, which has held significant equity positions in Homer City for nearly eight years, will continue to lead project financing.
HCR president and CEO William Wexler said: “This project will honour Homer City’s place in the proud history of Pennsylvania energy generation, while accelerating the state and local community’s ability to meet the needs of a rapidly shifting energy landscape.
“Alongside our best-in-class partners, we have been working tirelessly to ensure that Homer City’s transformation can happen as quickly and seamlessly as possible. Further, we are fully committed to maximising the unprecedented level of economic opportunity this project represents not just for Indiana County, but for all of Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region of the country.”
