Frontier Group to Transform Former Bruce Mansfield Coal Plant into State-of-the-Art Natural Gas Power Hub and AI Infrastructure Enabler in Pennsylvania
The Frontier Group of Companies (FGC), a leading industrial property owner and developer, has unveiled ambitious plans to transform the former Bruce Mansfield Power Plant in Shippingport, Pennsylvania, into a cutting-edge natural gas power generation facility. The redevelopment, now branded as the Shippingport Power Station, will not only repurpose one of the state’s most iconic legacy coal facilities but also anchor a broader industrial renaissance by supporting the growing power demands of artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure.
FGC’s plan encompasses a large-scale overhaul of the 660-acre site—formerly home to the 2.7-gigawatt coal-fired Bruce Mansfield Power Plant—into a next-generation natural gas-fired generation plant. The new Shippingport Power Station will include additional onsite capacity well beyond the original facility’s size, fueled by the Marcellus and Utica shale formations. This transformation will enable the project to supply a significant amount of reliable, dispatchable electricity directly to a prospective, collocated AI data center, while also contributing over 1 gigawatt of excess capacity to PJM Interconnection, the largest electrical grid operator in the U.S.
The redevelopment is positioned not only as a technological and environmental modernization but also as a massive economic catalyst for the region. According to FGC, the Shippingport project is projected to generate more than $6 billion in new economic activity across Pennsylvania. This total includes direct, indirect, and induced economic output, encompassing project construction, operational support services, materials, supply chain activities, and workforce spending. Furthermore, the initiative is expected to create more than 15,000 construction jobs during the development phase, as well as 340 new full-time positions upon completion.
“This is not just about replacing a coal plant with a gas plant—it’s about reimagining an energy ecosystem and revitalizing a community that powered America for decades,” said David Franjoine, CEO and Founder of Frontier Group of Companies. “The Bruce Mansfield Power Plant faithfully served the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for 43 years. Now, with the vision and support of Governor Josh Shapiro and Senator Dave McCormick, we’re bringing new life to the site—creating modern infrastructure that not only supports America’s path to energy security but also provides high-quality jobs and economic benefits to local communities.”
Franjoine emphasized that the project aligns with both national energy priorities and regional development goals. “With power-hungry technologies such as artificial intelligence and data centers requiring increasingly reliable sources of electricity, Shippingport Power Station will be a cornerstone in strengthening Pennsylvania’s energy infrastructure and enhancing America’s energy independence,” he added.
Clean, Reliable Power for Next-Gen Applications
One of the unique aspects of this redevelopment is its strategic integration of energy generation with future-focused digital infrastructure. FGC has already secured a development partner to build a collocated data center at the site. This facility is expected to directly benefit from the stable, high-capacity, on-demand power supply offered by the Shippingport Power Station—an ideal match for the energy needs of hyperscale computing, cloud storage, and AI model training.
The rest of the energy generated, over one gigawatt in excess capacity, will be delivered to the PJM grid, bolstering electricity availability across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond. This grid support is particularly valuable in today’s context, as several regions of the U.S. face increasing concerns about grid reliability, renewable intermittency, and the strain of growing digital infrastructure.
Strategic Partnerships with EQT and National Fuel Gas
Central to the project’s success is its firm foundation in Pennsylvania’s robust natural gas ecosystem. The plant will utilize an estimated 800 million cubic feet per day of natural gas sourced from the Marcellus and Utica shales, both prolific formations located in Western Pennsylvania. The gas supply will be provided by EQT Corporation (NYSE: EQT), the largest producer of natural gas in the United States.
“As a proud Pennsylvania-based company, we are thrilled to support this vital redevelopment,” said Toby Z. Rice, President and CEO of EQT. “This project is a powerful demonstration of how domestic energy can drive economic growth, deliver reliable and affordable power, and foster innovation. Shippingport Power Station will showcase the benefits of utilizing local energy resources to fuel America’s digital and industrial future.”
Complementing EQT’s role as the primary gas supplier is National Fuel Gas Supply Corporation, a subsidiary of National Fuel Gas Company (NYSE: NFG), which will serve as the transporter of a significant portion of the natural gas to the site. With nearly 125 years of experience in the natural gas industry and a well-established pipeline infrastructure, National Fuel will be instrumental in delivering Appalachian Basin gas directly to the new power station.
David P. Bauer, President and CEO of National Fuel Gas Company, highlighted the importance of infrastructure readiness: “We’re excited to support this transformational investment in Western Pennsylvania. Our interstate pipeline network is well-positioned to deliver the required volumes to the Shippingport facility, and we expect new transportation capacity to come online as early as Fall 2026 to meet demand. This project will allow us to further strengthen our commitment to reliable, clean energy transport while enabling significant regional development.”
Economic Impact and Tax Revenue Gains
In addition to its infrastructure and energy benefits, the Shippingport redevelopment is poised to deliver strong fiscal returns to Pennsylvania. Annual recurring revenue from the plant is projected at approximately $139 million, with an estimated $13 million in annual state tax revenue, $36 million in labor income, and $6 million in local county tax contributions. These figures underscore the project’s long-term value to public finances and local governments.
Furthermore, the introduction of high-skilled, full-time jobs across engineering, operations, and management will reinvigorate the area’s labor market. The redevelopment also creates significant opportunities for local businesses in construction, logistics, catering, security, maintenance, and auxiliary services.
A Symbol of Transition and Renewal
The Shippingport Power Station stands as a powerful symbol of Pennsylvania’s ability to adapt, renew, and lead. Once a bastion of coal-fired generation, the Bruce Mansfield site will soon serve as a flagship for cleaner, more efficient, and technologically advanced energy production. While natural gas remains a fossil fuel, its lower emissions profile compared to coal, coupled with the project’s support for AI-driven innovation, places this redevelopment in the context of realistic and transitional energy progress.
“This initiative reflects the evolving nature of American energy policy—balancing sustainability, reliability, and economic growth,” Franjoine noted. “Shippingport is not just a regional story; it’s a national model for what’s possible when private-sector vision aligns with community values and public-sector support.”
As America’s energy demands grow more complex—driven by electrification, digitalization, and evolving climate priorities—projects like Shippingport Power Station will likely serve as pivotal examples of how legacy infrastructure can be reinvented for a modern, interconnected, and AI-powered world.
