Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) has announced a significant investment in a 1,400-acre on-site powered data center facility in Greene County, Pennsylvania. The company, through its subsidiary Aqua, plans to design, build, and operate an 18 million gallons per day (mgd) water treatment plant to service the power plant and data center. The plant will use raw water from the adjacent Monongahela River to support both power generation and data center cooling needs. Additionally, Essential's subsidiary Peoples, the largest natural gas utility in Pennsylvania, will provide gas consulting services and energy management services to the project.
The data center, powered by 944 MW of behind-the-meter natural gas combined cycle combustion turbines (CCGTs) supplemented by battery storage, is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2029. This project underscores Essential's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and regional economic development, while positioning the company’s water, wastewater, and gas expertise as a critical component of the AI-driven data infrastructure revolution.
The partnership with International Electric Power III, LLC (IEP), a seasoned independent power producer with over 7 GW of generation experience, marks an exciting opportunity for Essential Utilities to leverage its expertise in water and natural gas. The company's unique capabilities have positioned it to facilitate the growth of data centers to power the new age of artificial intelligence in Pennsylvania.
Essential Utilities had previously informed investors that the company was in active discussions with data center developers representing over 5 gigawatts of power demand. This indicates the company's strong positioning in the market and its ability to leverage its expertise in both gas and water.
Today the company's shares have moved 2.02% to a price of $39.82. If you want to know more, read the company's complete 8-K report here.
