Major Data Center Planned for Former Mining Site
A transformative project is being proposed for the site of a former coal mine in Greene County, Pennsylvania, where developers plan to construct a massive data center spanning approximately 1,400 acres. According to reports, the development would represent a significant repurposing of the former Robena Mine property along the Monongahela River, potentially creating over 1,000 jobs during construction and beginning operations as early as 2029.
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Partnership and Infrastructure Details
Essential Utilities has partnered with Pittsburgh energy supplier International Electric Power (IEP) on the proposed project, sources indicate. The companies have reportedly secured an agreement to purchase the land from current owner Core Natural Resources, with Essential’s natural gas subsidiary, Peoples, providing consulting and energy management services.
Analysts suggest the location offers strategic advantages for data center operations. “Stable supplies of locally-produced natural gas, an outstanding workforce supported by local building trades, a strong dark fiber network, and ample acreage as well as water supply,” were cited by IEP SVP David Spigelmyer as key factors in selecting the site.
Power and Water Infrastructure
The project would feature substantial on-site power generation, with Essential Utilities planning to install natural gas turbines with a combined capacity of 910MW. The report states that this baseload generation will be supported by a Battery Energy Storage System supplied by Eos Energy Enterprises, ensuring near 100 percent reliability through a firm grid connection.
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Positioned along the Monongahela River, the facility would access an 18 million-gallon-a-day water treatment facility to supply both power generation and cooling systems. Despite the substantial water demand, developers claim the project would create minimal stress on the regional watershed, according to their environmental assessments.
Contrasting Development Outcomes
While the Pennsylvania project advances, a similar proposal in Ohio demonstrates how community concerns can affect such developments. In Norton City, Ohio, plans for a data center at a former PPG Industries mine were canceled following significant local opposition. According to local reports, the project faced scrutiny over potential environmental impacts and resource strain.
The cancellation came after townhall meetings revealed discrepancies in representations made by the developer, Quantum HPC. City officials noted that following these revelations, the developer determined certain statements were inaccurate and informed the city that the representative involved was no longer working with the company. The developer has since committed to implementing changes and assembling a new development team for future Ohio projects.
Historical Context and Future Vision
The Robena Mine site carries significant historical weight, having once been the largest mechanized coal mine in the United States. The location was also the scene of one of the country’s most severe mining disasters when a 1962 explosion claimed 37 lives. The mine has remained closed since 2007, making the proposed data center a potential catalyst for economic revitalization.
Spigelmyer emphasized the project’s broader significance, stating that it “has the ability to deliver on the energy and high-tech vision that leaders across our state recognize as a key driver for Pennsylvania’s future success.” The development team now seeks investors for the project’s next phase, having already secured manufacturing slots for gas turbines with expected delivery in 2028.
As these developments unfold, the industry continues to monitor related innovations and market trends that could influence future data center projects. Recent industry developments and recent technology advancements continue to shape the data center landscape as companies seek optimal locations and sustainable operations.
Source: Based on reporting from Herald Standard
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