GE Vernova,a key energy equipment provider,will supply seven turbines to transform the former Homer City Generating Station in Pennsylvania from a coal-powered facility into a natural gas-powered data center campus.This initiative,led by Homer City Redevelopment(HCR),aims to generate nearly 4.5 gigawatts(GW)of power,making it the largest natural gas power plant in the United States upon completion.The project is slated to start producing energy by 2027,surpassing the current leader,Florida Power&Light’s West County Energy Center,which has a capacity of about 3.8 GW,according to the U.S.Energy Information Administration.
HCR announced on Wednesday,April 02,2025,that construction at the Pennsylvania site will begin this year.GE Vernova is scheduled to deliver the turbines by 2026,setting the stage for the facility’s operational timeline.The redevelopment responds to growing energy needs,particularly from data centers supporting artificial intelligence technologies,which require substantial power for their operations.
The shift to natural gas aligns with rising demand for gas turbines in large-scale energy projects across the U.S.This demand is expected to drive natural gas consumption to new highs.However,HCR noted:“A lack of infrastructure could pose challenges to the industry.”Despite this,the project moves forward with strong financial backing.Knighthead Capital Management,a major equity stakeholder in Homer City for nearly eight years,will oversee the financing.The initial investment for power infrastructure and site preparation is projected to exceed$10 billion.
This transformation marks a significant step in meeting the energy demands of advanced technologies while repurposing existing facilities.The Homer City project highlights the increasing role of natural gas in the U.S.energy landscape,driven by the need for reliable,high-capacity power sources.With construction starting in 2025 and power generation targeted for 2027,the initiative reflects a blend of innovation and practical energy solutions,supported by substantial capital and industry expertise.
