Why Western PA?

Western PA is the ideal home to Hyperscale
AI Data Centers

Stable grid and infrastructure

EQT operates the leading natural gas network in Appalachia, with a vast pipeline system spanning Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio and Northern Virginia. We move molecules with speed, scale, and reliability—powering data centers from the ground up.

Proximity to Tech Hubs

With Carnegie Mellon University at its core—ranked #1 in the world for AI—alongside University of Pittsburgh, fostering groundbreaking ingenuity, Pittsburgh’s “AI Alley” is a hotbed of machine learning talent, R&D and industrial innovation. Here, tech meets infrastructure in a way few regions can match.

Western Pennsylvania isn’t just ready for the AI future. It’s already building it.

Voices from the Region

"AI is revolutionizing the way we live and work—but behind every breakthrough algorithm and smart system is a growing demand for energy. Natural gas is the bridge that gets us to that future. Here in Appalachia, and especially in Western Pennsylvania, we sit on one of the world’s most abundant, low-emission natural gas resources. That gives us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to power the AI revolution responsibly and reliably—while creating jobs, revitalizing communities and cementing American energy leadership. At EQT, we’re proud to fuel this future and help position our region at the forefront of innovation."

Toby Z. Rice
President and CEO | EQT

“Whether it was forging steel or fueling the nation, Pennsylvania has always been at the forefront of American innovation. Now, we have the chance to lead again, this time in the global race for AI. Our commonwealth's vast energy resources, combined with our skilled workforce, plentiful water, proximity to major population centers, and elite research institutions, make Pennsylvania a perfect base to power America’s innovative technological future. By bringing together leaders in technology, energy, and education, we’re building an AI ecosystem that can power not just our state, but the entire country. The stakes are high, and the time is now—because if we lead here, America leads everywhere.”

Dave McCormick
Pennsylvania Senator

"Western Pennsylvania has always been a powerhouse—of energy, of innovation and of hard-working people. The skilled tradesmen and women of Boilermakers Local 154 represent the kind of workforce that’s ready to meet the demands of the AI era. Together with companies like EQT, providing the clean energy needed to support advanced technologies, we’re not just supporting the AI revolution—we’re helping build it."

Shawn Steffee
Boilermakers Local 154 Representative

"Western Pennsylvania has always been a place where hard work and ingenuity spark progress. Today, that spirit is alive in the students I see every day through BotsIQ—young people learning advanced manufacturing, robotics, and the skills that will shape the future of artificial intelligence and clean energy. It’s our region’s commitment to education, innovation, and collaboration that makes it such a powerful engine for new industries and lasting opportunity."

Michel Conklin
Executive Director, BotsIQ

"The men and women of the United Association have led the path forward driving American innovation for more than 135 years. As the AI revolution is upon us, our hardworking members are poised to continue that essential role by delivering the essential energy – like natural gas, nuclear, hydrogen and more – needed to power this next chapter in our nation’s history. We are proud to build the future of Western Pennsylvania and the future of AI technology with our partners like EQT, and we look forward to the family-sustaining jobs these projects will bring."

Mark McManus
General President of the United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA)

"Southwestern Pennsylvania has always been a powerhouse—in steel, in energy—and now we are poised to lead the next great transformation at the confluence of energy and artificial intelligence. With our abundant natural resources, world-renowned universities and innovation-driven business community, this region offers an unparalleled ecosystem for advancing AI solutions that will power the energy systems of tomorrow. We are not just witnessing the future—we are building it right here in Washington County and across the Greater Pittsburgh region."

Jeff M. Kotula
President Washington County Chamber of Commerce

"Pittsburgh stands at the forefront of the AI revolution—not by chance, but by design. Our region is home to a world-class workforce, deep intellectual capital, and a strong commitment to community. We’re uniquely positioned to lead this new era—not just because of our clean energy and innovation ecosystem, but because we ground progress in ethics, inclusion and purpose.

Programs like the Air Force Association CyberCamp, hosted at the University of Pittsburgh, show how we’re building the future workforce from the ground up. By equipping young minds with the tools, values and vision to shape technology responsibly, we’re not just keeping pace with AI—we’re helping define what responsible AI leadership looks like."

David Hickton
Founding Director | Pitt Cyber | University of Pittsburgh