Pennsylvania is a global energy leader, producing more energy than ever before.
And this is good news, considering the expected surge in demand for power.
After a decade of relatively flat electricity demand, America could see an acceleration in load growth with new data centers, manufacturing facilities and electrification efforts.
Look no further than the northeast region of Pennsylvania, where Amazon is planning to develop 15 data centers as part of a large-scale project. Multi-million-dollar projects like these not only bring a big economic boost but also require a significant amount of power around the clock.
To put things in perspective, the electricity requirements for data centers can be up to 100 times those of an average industrial customer.
A recent PJM report shows the challenge of meeting the growing demand for power due in large part from data centers and electrification.
PJM is the country’s largest regional transmission organization, operating the electric grid and coordinating the movement of wholesale electricity in all or parts of 13 states, including Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.
The report also points out that as demand growth and requirements on thermal resources like natural gas, coal and oil accelerate and the pace of development and deployment of new resources continues to lag, it may result in a shortfall in supply by 2030.
The good news is that Pennsylvania is poised to help meet the demand with its rich supply of natural gas.
As it stands now, natural gas developed in Pennsylvania provides more than half of the state’s electricity generation.
Nationally, natural gas is the leading fuel for generating electricity – 43% in 2023 – and is projected to be a leading source in the future.
Abundant natural gas in the Marcellus and Utica shale plays has given Pennsylvania an energy advantage – one that is helping to attract multi-billion projects to the region.
Last month, two roundtable discussions were held in northeast Pennsylvania to discuss the need for more reliable, scalable power as the region becomes a hub for emerging technology and data centers.
“Pennsylvania is uniquely positioned to lead in this space,” said Rob Jennings, American Petroleum Institute’s (API) vice president of natural gas markets, at a meeting with industry leaders and elected officials in Salem Twp.
Jennings emphasized that natural gas remains the most viable option for adding incremental electricity to the grid.
To help support this level of growth in the natural gas industry as well as the power sector, building and retaining the workforce of tomorrow in Pennsylvania is vital.
That is why API recently announced a partnership with the Pennsylvania College of Technology to help prepare the next generation of industry professionals, as the Williamsport Sun-Gazette reported. API donated access to its library of 800-plus globally recognized standards for industry best practices to the college to incorporate into the School of Engineering Technologies’ various programs, including welding and fabrication technology, equipping students with the training they need to advance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability in the oil and natural gas industry. This investment helps prepare the workforce of the future right here in Pennsylvania, which can be a draw for companies looking to build.
The energy to attract and retain the industries and jobs of tomorrow is here. With the right policies in place, and a well-trained workforce, Pennsylvania can stay competitive and meet the challenges ahead.
Pennsylvania-produced natural gas remains essential to supporting a strong, resilient power grid and will continue to play a critical role powering America’s future.
Author: Stephanie Catarino WissmanPublication: Williamsport Sun-Gazette
https://www.sungazette.com/opinion/other-commentaries/2024/09/powering-pennsylvanias-future/