Archbald, a small borough in Pennsylvania with fewer than 8,000 residents, is preparing to accommodate five massive data centers that would collectively rank among the largest worldwide once completed. These projects are expected to span 51 buildings with a total of 13 million square feet of floor space, according to reporting by DeSmog.
The largest data center planned in Archbald is projected to consume 1.6 gigawatts of electricity, equivalent to the output of Pennsylvania’s largest gas-fired power plant. This vast energy demand has raised concerns among local residents about strain on the electric grid and potential increases in power bills.
To facilitate the construction of the data centers, the borough council increased the building height limit in industrial zones from 55 feet to 90 feet in November, despite objections from many community members. Resident Tamara Misewicz-Healey expressed frustration, saying at a borough meeting, “Here in Archbald, we are fighting against our local government … Honestly, it’s broken my heart.”
Borough manager Dan Markey emphasized the economic benefits, explaining that a single data center could generate over $4 million annually in property taxes, covering more than 60 percent of Archbald’s yearly budget. He described the opportunity as a potential “game changer” for the borough’s finances.
Why it matters
Pennsylvania’s recent emergence as a data center hub is propelled by tax incentives for tech companies and access to natural gas. This boom has significant implications for regional energy demand and infrastructure. The data centers’ extensive electricity consumption is expected to increase reliance on local natural gas-fired power plants.
Experts warn that the surge in power demand from data centers nationwide could result in grid instability, including spikes in wholesale electricity prices or occasional rolling blackouts if supply fails to keep pace. In Pennsylvania, this may also drive an expansion in natural gas drilling to fuel power generation.
Background
The trend of expanding data center construction in Pennsylvania reflects broader national dynamics. The state has around 32 proposed data centers pending approval, many seeking locations with affordable land and energy resources. Western Pennsylvania alone anticipates at least five new data centers, contributing to rising local tensions.
Some proposed data center projects have already been cancelled nationally due to public opposition and logistical challenges. The rapid growth of data centers also corresponds with increased energy consumption reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, highlighting growing infrastructure demands on the power grid.
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