Pennsylvania Welcomes $15 Billion Data Center Initiative
Carlisle, Tuesday, 15 July 2025.
Pennsylvania Data Center Partners and PowerHouse Data Centers have announced a $15 billion joint project to develop a 1.35 GW data center in Carlisle. This move positions the region as a technology hub.
A Strategic Move in AI and Cloud Computing
On 15 July 2025, Pennsylvania Data Center Partners and PowerHouse Data Centers announced a transformative $15 billion joint venture to construct a hyperscale data center campus in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. This ambitious project will deliver a formidable 1.35 gigawatts (GW) of capacity aimed at addressing the rising demand for advanced AI and cloud computing services. The project is poised to turn Central Pennsylvania into a significant hub within the technology infrastructure sector [1].
The PAX Project and Its Economic Impact
Named the Pennsylvania Digital I (PAX) project, this venture includes three hyperscale data center campuses with the capability to expand the total utility capacity up to 1.8 GW, featuring a potential near-term power delivery of 300 megawatts by the second quarter of 2027 [1]. The joint venture is expected to contribute over $65 million in direct tax revenue, benefiting local components like the Cumberland Valley School District and Cumberland County [1].
Positioning Pennsylvania as a Tech Leader
According to Doug Fleit, CEO and Co-founder of PowerHouse Data Centers, the PAX project is strategically located in Carlisle and provides direct connectivity to major markets across the Eastern United States, including Ashburn, Virginia, a central hub for data center development [1]. This location offers robust fiber infrastructure, connecting with 17 metro fiber providers, thereby ensuring high-speed and reliable data transfer capabilities critical for AI advancements [1].
Support from State Leaders
The announcement at the Pennsylvania Energy & Innovation Summit emphasized the state’s commitment to becoming a leader in America’s AI technology economy. Local leaders, including Senator Dave McCormick, highlighted the project’s significance as a catalyst for positioning Pennsylvania at the forefront of digital transformation efforts. Governor Josh Shapiro also noted that initiatives like the PAX project exemplify Pennsylvania’s proactive approach to leveraging its abundant natural power resources for technological growth [1][3].