Homer City, Pennsylvania to Replace Closed Coal Plant with New Gas Plant for Data Centers by 2027
The closed Homer City coal-fired power plant in Pennsylvania will be replaced by a new gas plant projected to be operational by 2027. The new facility will have a capacity of 4.5 gigawatts, more than double that of the coal plant, and will primarily serve data centers.
The gas plant is expected to emit 17.5 million tons of greenhouse gases annually. The project promises over 10,000 construction jobs, with local unions involved in hiring. However, environmental concerns persist, with critics warning it could significantly increase local emissions and water usage.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection approved the air permit for the project despite opposition from environmental groups. The development reflects a broader trend in Pennsylvania, where numerous data centers are being established to support the AI sector, backed by bipartisan political support.
