Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania operates as America's energy metabolism, converting hydrocarbons into electricity for the entire Eastern Seaboard. The state ranks second nationally in overall energy production and natural gas output while leading the nation in electricity exports—a structural advantage that positioned it perfectly for the data center boom. Amazon committed $20 billion for cloud and AI campuses, while the Homer City Generating Station's $10 billion conversion from Pennsylvania's largest coal plant to a natural gas-powered data center campus epitomizes the ongoing energy transition.

Governor Shapiro's administration has attracted $31.6 billion in private investment creating 16,700 jobs, lifting Pennsylvania to 11th in Site Selection's Business Climate rankings—up seven spots and now first in the Northeast. The Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit secured $90 billion in commitments tied to AI, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technology. Manufacturing contributes $111 billion annually and employs one in ten residents, while the state hosts America's only two federally designated Regional Clean Energy Hubs.

This energy foundation creates path-dependent advantages as AI infrastructure demands surge. Electricity usage grew 3% in 2024 with significant industrial growth projected, driven by large-load customers like data centers. The state's "Lightning Plan" streamlines energy project approvals and expands manufacturing tax credits, recognizing that in an era of electricity-hungry AI, Pennsylvania's position as energy exporter translates directly into economic attraction. Five key industries—agriculture, energy, life sciences, manufacturing, and robotics—now receive targeted development support as the state bets on its energy infrastructure as the substrate for twenty-first-century industry.