IEP Plans 944-MW Behind-the-Meter Gas Plant to Power PA Data Center

International Electric Power plans a 944-MW behind-the-meter gas-fired plant to power a data center in Greene County, Pennsylvania. The data center will be supplemented by battery storage and backup from an existing interconnection with the electric grid. Essential Utilities is investing $26 million in the project to develop a water treatment facility for the power plant and data center.

International Electric Power (IEP) has announced plans to develop a 944-MW behind-the-meter gas-fired plant to power a data center in Greene County, Pennsylvania. The data center, set to be operational in Q1 of 2029, will be powered by natural gas combined cycle combustion turbines, supported by a battery energy storage system, and backed up through an existing grid connection [1].

The project, which includes a 1,400-acre data center site, has secured manufacturing slots for the gas turbines, with delivery expected in 2028. Essential Utilities, a US-based utility company focusing on natural gas and wastewater treatment, has invested $26 million in the project. The investment will be used to develop a water treatment facility for the power plant and data center, utilizing raw water from the nearby Monongahela River [1].

The water treatment plant, designed and operated by Essential's subsidiary Aqua, will service both the power plant and the data center. Essential's natural gas subsidiary, Peoples, will also provide gas consulting services and energy management services to the project. This partnership reflects a growing trend in the sector, with more developers seeking behind-the-meter arrangements to power their data centers [1].

The Greene County site offers ample land for the data center and on-site energy generation, plentiful access to water, and access to dark fiber. The project is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region. IEP CEO Peter Dailey highlighted the advantages of the site, stating that "Pennsylvania’s abundant natural resources, world-class workforce, and strong federal, state, and local official support drew us to Greene County" [1].

The project's significance lies in its alignment with the growing demand for sustainable and efficient power solutions in the data center industry. The European data center PDUs and PSUs market, for instance, is projected to reach $20.05 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 21.23% during the forecast period 2025-2035. This growth is driven by the need for robust and energy-efficient power solutions to support increased data workloads and digital infrastructure [2].

The project's success will depend on its ability to meet these market demands and leverage the strengths of its partners. As the data center industry continues to grow, projects like this one will play a crucial role in shaping the future of power infrastructure.

References:
[1] https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/essential-utilities-invests-24m-into-planned-944mw-behind-the-meter-data-center-in-greene-county-pennsylvania/
[2] https://www.crypto-reporter.com/newsfeed/europe-data-center-power-distribution-units-and-power-supply-units-market-analysis-and-forecast-2025-2035-with-profiles-of-eaton-schneider-electric-legrand-siemens-and-rittal-researchandmarkets-107950/