TECfusions to repurpose former Pennsylvania Alcoa plant as a data center site

TECfusions has acquired 1395 acres in Upper Burrell, PA, for the TECfusions Keystone Connect data center project.

This purchase, which includes the former Alcoa R&D campus and surrounding real estate, marks a key expansion of TECfusions' portfolio and demonstrates the company's commitment to adaptive reuse and community revitalization.

The goal is to turn the former industrial site into a data center campus, with plans to deploy 3 GW of capacity over six years. Notably, 12 MW of capacity is immediately available, showcasing TECfusions' ability to rapidly deliver infrastructure to meet the growing demand for AI and high-performance computing.

Also, the company was recently awarded a $2 million grant through Pennsylvania's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), a program to incentivize the design, acquisition, and construction of improvement projects such as TECfusions' adaptive reuse approach.

The site features a multi-faceted powering structure, including natural gas power generation, enabling dual utility and microgrid capabilities. According to the company, this approach ensures reliability, efficiency, and reduced dependency on increasingly costly utility power. TECfusions also discusses exporting excess power to support the local grid, benefiting the community.

Sustainability is also another area that TECfusions can address with its adaptive reuse approach, which accelerates deployment and reduces the project's environmental footprint. As the project progresses, TECfusions remains committed to sustainable practices, including emissions reduction and efficient resource use. The phased deployment approach ensures responsible growth aligned with market demand and community needs.

Steve Hershey, VP of Government and Regulatory Affairs for TECfusions, said, "By repurposing the former Alcoa campus, we're not just building another data center; we're breathing new life into a historic industrial site and creating thousands of jobs in the process."

Jason Rigone, executive director at Westmoreland County Industrial Development, agreed and praised the project’s potential to enhance the community’s status as an attractive spot for technology innovators.

"TECfusions' innovative approach to adaptive reuse sets a new standard for sustainable development in our region,” he said. “This project not only repurposes existing infrastructure and leverages local natural resources but also positions Westmoreland County as a hub for the digital economy."

For related articles, visit the Data Center Topic Center.
For more information on high-speed transmission systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.
To stay abreast of fiber network deployments, subscribe to Lightwave’s Service Providers and Datacom/Data Center newsletters.