Essential Utilities Invests $26M in 944MW Greene County Data Center

Essential Utilities has committed $26 million to a large-scale data center project in Greene County, Pennsylvania, partnering with International Electric Power III. The project will feature a 1,400-acre facility powered by 944MW of behind-the-meter natural gas combined cycle turbines supplemented with battery storage, and will include an 18 million gallons per day water treatment plant designed, built, and operated by Essential's subsidiary Aqua to support power generation and cooling needs. Essential's natural gas subsidiary Peoples will provide consulting and energy management services for the project, which is scheduled to be operational by early 2029. Analysts have responded positively to Essential Utilities' involvement, with a consensus 'Buy' rating and projected stock price upside ranging from about 11% to nearly 20% within the next year. The project aligns with Pennsylvania's push for energy innovation and Artificial Intelligence growth, highlighting Essential Utilities' strategic positioning in water and natural gas infrastructure. Overall, this initiative underscores Essential Utilities' commitment to sustainable growth, operational excellence, and leveraging regional resources to support emerging technology infrastructure.