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Pennsylvania Data Center Intel
Latest data center news, projects, power and policy across Pennsylvania — updated daily.
Recent Pennsylvania data center news
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Microsoft Weighs Natural Gas With Carbon Capture To Power AI Data Centers
Microsoft’s VP of Energy, Bobby Hollis, announced that the company is exploring the use of natural gas combined with carbon capture technology to power its AI data centers amid surging demand. The feasibility of this approach depends on the commercial viability and cost-competitiveness of carbon capture. Meanwhile, ExxonMobil plans to launch operations for its natural gas plant within five years, while Chevron has partnered with GE Vernova for a plant set to start in 2027. Baker Hughes is collaborating with Frontier Infrastructure to develop a carbon storage hub in Wyoming.
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New Analyses Spotlight Massive Potential for Geothermal Powered Data Centers in the US
The Project InnerSpace launched a new data center module in its GeoMap™ tool that identifies the best locations for geothermal development in the United States and globally. This initiative aims to meet nearly two-thirds of the forecasted data center demand growth in the US, particularly in Texas and federal lands throughout the western United States. The research indicates that geothermal energy could fulfill the entire demand growth in 13 of the 15 largest data center markets by the early 2030s, significantly reducing energy costs. The report highlights that by utilizing geothermal power, data centers can also improve their operational efficiency, especially in cooling.
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The data center decade has arrived
The United States is anticipating a 30% surge in power demand by 2050, primarily driven by the expansion of data centers and the adoption of electric vehicles. Enverus Intelligence Research (EIR) reported a projected 15.83% rise in total annual energy consumption through 2035. The technology sector is entering an unprecedented capital expenditures cycle, with hyperscalers expected to spend over $50 billion annually by the decade’s end. Notably, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) will host a significant data center facility totaling 2.2 GW by 2027.
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https://cleanpower.org/wp-content/uploads/gateway/2025/03/US_National_Power_Demand_Study_2025_FINAL.pdf
US-based American Clean Power Association, along with several other organizations including the American Petroleum Institute, Alliance to Save Energy, Clean Energy Buyers Association, Nuclear Energy Institute, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, commissioned a study by S&P Global Commodity Insights. The study, titled ‘US National Power Demand Study’, was released on March 7, 2025. It projects a significant growth in electricity demand in the US, driven by manufacturing, data centers, and the electrification of heating and transportation. The study highlights the need for substantial additions to the energy supply, including 60 to 100 GW of gas and over 900 GW of renewables and batteries by 2040. It also emphasizes the importance of energy efficiency and clean firm technologies like advanced nuclear and geothermal in maintaining grid reliability and reducing carbon emissions. The study identifies challenges such as outdated interconnection processes, local opposition, and supply chain constraints, and suggests policy reforms to address these issues. The report also notes that wholesale power prices could be around 20% higher in the short term due to higher gas prices and increased demand.
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From military service to mission-critical careers: How Schneider Electric is leading the way
US-based Schneider Electric has developed an innovative workforce strategy to recruit veterans for mission-critical facilities amid a growing demand for skilled technicians in data centers and energy systems. The company employs a program called SkillBridge to provide hands-on training, allowing veterans to transition smoothly into civilian careers. Schneider Electric’s commitment to filling the labor gap includes breaking down traditional silos in career development, enabling service representatives to develop expertise across multiple systems, ultimately fostering economic growth.
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Inside the US Data Center Boom: What’s powering the next tech revolution?
US-based tech companies are experiencing a surge in data center demand driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and generative technologies. With data centers expected to triple their share of US power consumption by 2030, firms like Amazon and Microsoft are facing regulatory uncertainties that could impact their infrastructure projects. The anticipated electricity demand from US data centers could reach between 248 TWh and 606 TWh by 2030, necessitating significant new power supply investments equivalent to energizing numerous gas and renewable sources.
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How much energy will AI really consume? The good, the bad and the unknown
US-based Virginia has seen a significant increase in data-centre construction, which could double electricity demand in the state within the next decade. Virginia is known as the data-centre capital of the world with 340 facilities already established. Experts have raised concerns about the rise in energy usage related to AI training, particularly as big tech firms expand their operations. In Ireland, data centres account for over 20% of the country’s electricity consumption, showcasing a global trend in energy demand. Economic benefits are noted, but so are the potential local impacts on power infrastructure.
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Canada Bitcoin Miner Acquiring Two Pennsylvania Coal Plants
Canada-based Bitfarms Ltd. has completed its acquisition of Stronghold Digital Mining, which includes two Pennsylvania coal-fired power plants, Scrubgrass and Panther Creek. The deal was authorized by Stronghold’s shareholders and is valued at $175 million, initially offering $120 million solely for mining assets. Bitfarms plans to utilize the electricity from these facilities, which can potentially supply up to 955 MW of electricity, for its Bitcoin mining operations and aims to construct data centers near the power plants.
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The SMR Gamble: Betting on Nuclear to Fuel the Data Center Boom
US-based tech giants including Microsoft and Amazon Web Services have committed significant investments to advance nuclear power as a solution to their growing energy demands from AI-driven data centers. Microsoft and Constellation Energy invested $1.6 billion to restart the Three Mile Island nuclear plant, targeting a 2028 reopening. Additionally, Google signed an agreement with Kairos Power to develop a 500-MW fleet of small modular reactors by 2035. Amazon announced plans to back multiple SMR projects totaling 5 GW in energy capacity, indicating a strong industry push towards nuclear solutions to meet sustainability targets.
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AI Boom Reshapes Power Landscape as Data Centers Drive Historic Demand Growth
US-based Enverus released its 2025 Global Energy Outlook, predicting that energy demand will rise dramatically due to the expansion of data centers, with a forecasted 1.2% increase in load for 2025. Moreover, the increase in installed residential solar is expected to contribute significantly to this load growth. Concurrently, Deloitte highlighted the urgent need for utilities to enhance grid efficiency and incorporate both reliable and clean power sources, as the demand from data centers continues to rise.