Amazon's $20 Billion Investment in Pennsylvania: Expanding AI Infrastructure Amid Power Controversy

Amazon to spend $20 billion on data centers in Pennsylvania, including one at a nuclear power plant

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) -- Amazon said Monday that it will spend $20 billion on two data center complexes in Pennsylvania, including one it is building alongside a nuclear power plant that has drawn federal scrutiny over an arrangement to essentially plug right into the power plant. Kevin Miller, vice president of global data centers at Amazon's cloud computing subsidiary, Amazon Web Services, told The Associated Press that the company will build another data center complex just north of Philadelphia. The announcements add to the billions of dollars in Big Tech's data center cash already flowing into the state. Since 2024 started, Amazon has committed to about $10 billion apiece to data center projects in Mississippi, Indiana, Ohio and North Carolina as it ramps up its investment in infrastructure to compete with other tech giants to meet growing demand for artificial intelligence products. The rapid growth of cloud computing and artificial intelligence has fueled demand for data centers that need power to run servers, storage systems, networking equipment and cooling systems. The majority owner of the Susquehanna nuclear power plant, Talen Energy, announced last year that it had sold its data center to Amazon for $650 million in a deal to eventually provide 960 megawatts. That's 40% of the output of one of the nation's largest nuclear power plants, or enough to power more than a half-million homes. However, the arrangement between Talen and Amazon -- called a "behind the meter" connection -- has been held up by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in the first such case to come before the agency. It has raised questions over whether diverting power to higher-paying customers will leave enough for others and whether it's fair to excuse big power users from paying for the grid.

Amazon to invest $20 billion in AI data centers across Pennsylvania

Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years. TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust. What just happened? Amazon Web Services, one of the world's three largest cloud providers, is increasingly focused on artificial intelligence and large language models. The company is now planning a significant expansion of its AI infrastructure initiatives in Pennsylvania. Amazon has announced plans to invest at least $20 billion in new cloud computing facilities across Pennsylvania. The tech giant, founded by Jeff Bezos, says the move reflects its commitment to advancing artificial intelligence technologies, while state officials are celebrating the deal for its potential to create thousands of high-paying jobs and boost tax revenue. Governor Josh Shapiro said Amazon will build new AI campuses in Salem Township and Falls Township, with additional locations under consideration. This means the total investment could eventually exceed the initial $20 billion estimate. The new cloud and AI infrastructure is expected to generate at least 1,250 full-time, high-paying IT jobs, in addition to employing thousands more in construction, operations, and maintenance. Governor Shapiro's administration noted that the state worked closely with local leaders and Amazon to finalize the deal, suggesting a long period of negotiation aimed at securing the high-profile investment. Governor Shapiro said Pennsylvania aims to play a major role in the development of cutting-edge AI technologies, including generative AI, machine learning services, and agentic AI applications. While modern AI still struggles to impress in some corporate pilot programs - or even in a game of chess against a decades-old console - Shapiro is calling Amazon's plan a strategic investment that will help maintain America's global leadership in innovation. Amazon's Chief Global Affairs and Legal Officer, David Zapolsky, emphasized that the company is committed to both advancing AI and creating new job opportunities for local workers. While the investment is expected to boost local tax revenues, Zapolsky hinted that Amazon's interest lies more in infrastructure and talent than taxation. Since 2010, Amazon has invested more than $26 billion in Pennsylvania, funding infrastructure projects and providing direct compensation to its employees. The company now operates a large e-commerce network across the state, including 23 fulfillment and sortation centers and 20 last-mile delivery stations.

Amazon to invest $20B in data centers in Pennsylvania

Why it matters: The project, which aims to grow Amazon's artificial intelligence and cloud computing empire, is the largest private investment in Pennsylvania's history. Driving the news: Amazon executives and Gov. Josh Shapiro unveiled the deal on Monday. Plus: Amazon is considering multiple additional sites in Pennsylvania for more data centers. Zoom in: Amazon plans to build its Salem Township data center beside Talen Energy's Susquehanna nuclear power plant. By the numbers: The two complexes are expected to create at least 1,250 jobs, including hundreds of construction jobs. The big picture: Big tech is spending at unprecedented levels on data centers, particularly as companies scramble to scale up AI technology quickly. The other side: Despite the job-creation promises of data centers, there's rising bipartisan opposition to their construction nationwide, Axios' Asher Price and Mimi Montgomery reported last year. The intrigue: It remains unclear whether Amazon received any state incentives or tax breaks for the Pennsylvania projects. The announcement comes after Amazon recently partnered with the University of Pittsburgh to open a cloud innovation center, the first of its kind in the region.

Amazon to invest $20 billion in Pennsylvania to expand AI services

Amazon (AMZN) announced on Monday that it will invest at least $20 billion in Pennsylvania to build two data centers as it expands its cloud computing infrastructure and advances AI. The retail giant said the new initiatives will create 1,250 high-skilled jobs while "supporting thousands more in the AWS data center supply chain." It identified Salem Township, in Luzerne County, and Falls Township, a suburb of Philadelphia, as the first two locations for the development of its "future innovation campuses," and said many other areas are under consideration. It did not give a timeline for the project. The new jobs created by the investment will include data center engineers, network specialists, engineering operations managers, and security specialists, among others. Amazon will also invest in workforce development programs in the communities to help train future employees, the company said. David Zapolsky, Amazon's chief global affairs and legal officer, said in a press release that the plan "reinforces our dedication to advancing AI innovation while creating lasting economic opportunities in the state." Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said that "this initial investment from Amazon will create thousands of good-paying, stable jobs." "We're creating opportunity for our workers, generating new revenue for our local communities, and ensuring the future of AI runs right through Pennsylvania," he added. The plan is part of Amazon's continued investment in artificial intelligence, which the company says shows its "commitment to supporting U.S. leadership in AI." But the plan is not without controversy. It comes as big tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft (MSFT), and Meta are searching for power sources that can keep up with AI's energy needs. The Salem Township data center will be built next to the Susquehanna nuclear power plant, where Amazon wants to plug in its data center directly to expedite the process. Last year, Talen Energy, which controls the Susquehanna plant, sold Amazon its data center next door for $650 million. Amazon secured 40% of the plant's output as part of the deal, offering to pay more for the energy than the utility, according to the Associated Press. But the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is holding up the arrangement, investigating whether or not it's fair to hand over the energy output to the highest bidder and if it will deprive local households of the energy they need.

Amazon to invest $20 billion in Pennsylvania to expand AI

Amazon (AMZN) announced on Monday that it will invest at least $20 billion in Pennsylvania to build two data centers as it expands its cloud computing infrastructure and advances AI. The retail giant said the new initiatives will create 1,250 high-skilled jobs while "supporting thousands more in the AWS data center supply chain." It identified Salem Township, in Luzerne County, and Falls Township, a suburb of Philadelphia, as the first two locations for the development of its "future innovation campuses," and said many other areas are under consideration. It did not give a timeline for the project. The new jobs created by the investment will include data center engineers, network specialists, engineering operations managers, and security specialists, among others. Amazon will also invest in workforce development programs in the communities to help train future employees, the company said. David Zapolsky, Amazon's chief global affairs and legal officer, said in a press release that the plan "reinforces our dedication to advancing AI innovation while creating lasting economic opportunities in the state." Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said that "this initial investment from Amazon will create thousands of good-paying, stable jobs." "We're creating opportunity for our workers, generating new revenue for our local communities, and ensuring the future of AI runs right through Pennsylvania," he added. The plan is part of Amazon's continued investment in artificial intelligence, which the company says shows its "commitment to supporting U.S. leadership in AI." But the plan is not without controversy. It comes as big tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft (MSFT), and Meta are searching for power sources that can keep up with AI's energy needs. The Salem Township data center will be built next to the Susquehanna nuclear power plant, where Amazon wants to plug in its data center directly to expedite the process. Last year, Talen Energy, which controls the Susquehanna plant, sold Amazon its data center next door for $650 million. Amazon secured 40% of the plant's output as part of the deal, offering to pay more for the energy than the utility, according to the Associated Press. But the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is holding up the arrangement, investigating whether or not it's fair to hand over the energy output to the highest bidder and if it will deprive local households of the energy they need.

Amazon to spend $20B on Pennsylvania data centers, including one next to a nuclear power plant

Amazon said Monday that it will spend $20 billion on two data center complexes in Pennsylvania, including one it is building alongside a nuclear power plant that has drawn federal scrutiny over an arrangement to essentially plug right into the power plant. Kevin Miller, vice president of global data centers at Amazon's cloud computing subsidiary, Amazon Web Services, told The Associated Press that the company will build another data center complex just north of Philadelphia. One data center is being built next to northeastern Pennsylvania's Susquehanna nuclear power plant. The other will be in Fairless Hills at a logistics campus, the Keystone Trade Center, on what was once a U.S. Steel mill. At a news conference in Berwick in the shadow of the power plant, Gov. Josh Shapiro called it the largest private sector investment in Pennsylvania's history. He said Monday's announcement is "just the beginning" because his administration is working with Amazon on additional data center projects in the state. While critics say data centers employ relatively few people and pack little long-term job-creation punch, their advocates say they require a huge number of construction jobs to build, spend enormous sums at area vendors and generate strong tax revenues for local governments. Shapiro touted the work that will keep construction trades members busy building Amazon's data centers, the tech jobs that will be waiting for graduates of area colleges and the millions of dollars in property taxes that will flow to schools and local governments. "For too long, we've watched as talents across Pennsylvania got hollowed out and left behind," Shapiro said at the news conference. "No more. Now is our time to rebuild those communities and invest in them. This investment in Pennsylvania starts reversing that trend." Neither Shapiro's administration nor Amazon provided details about the taxpayer-paid financial incentives that Amazon is getting to build in Pennsylvania, typically a key element of data center deals as states compete for large installations they hope will be an economic bonanza. Amazon, however, will likely qualify for Pennsylvania's existing sales tax exemption on purchases of data center equipment, such as servers and routers, an exemption that most states offer and that is viewed as a must-have for a state to compete. The announcements add to the billions of dollars in Big Tech's data center cash already flowing into the state. Since 2024 started, Amazon has committed to about $10 billion apiece to data center projects in Mississippi, Indiana, Ohio and North Carolina as it ramps up its investment in infrastructure to compete with other tech giants to meet growing demand for artificial intelligence products. The rapid growth of cloud computing and artificial intelligence has fueled demand for data centers that need power to run servers, storage systems, networking equipment and cooling systems. The majority owner of the Susquehanna nuclear power plant, Talen Energy, announced last year that it had sold its data center to Amazon for $650 million in a deal to eventually provide 960 megawatts. That's 40% of the output of one of the nation's largest nuclear power plants, or enough to power more than half a million homes. However, the arrangement between Talen and Amazon -- called a "behind the meter" connection -- has been held up by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in the first such case to come before the agency. It has raised questions over whether diverting power to higher-paying customers will leave enough for others and whether it's fair to excuse big power users from paying for the grid. For Big Tech, plugging energy-hungry data centers directly into a power plant can take years off their development timelines and is a much faster route to procuring power than having to connect to the congested electricity grid. It's not clear when FERC, which blocked the deal on procedural grounds, will decide the matter, leaving in limbo regulatory treatment of the deal and others that likely would follow. Already in Pennsylvania, Microsoft announced a deal with the owner of the shuttered Three Mile Island nuclear power plant to restart the reactor under a 20-year agreement to supply its data centers in four states with energy. Meanwhile, the owners of what was once Pennsylvania's biggest coal-fired power plant say they will turn it into a $10 billion natural gas-powered data center campus.

Leaders applaud Amazon's "historic investment" in Pennsylvania data centers

State leaders and Amazon came together on Monday to announce a historic investment. Amazon is pumping $20 billion into Pennsylvania to create high-tech cloud computing and artificial intelligence innovation campuses. Governor Josh Shapiro says it's the largest private sector investment in the commonwealth's history. "An initial announcement of about $20 billion in multiple state-of-the-art data centers across our commonwealth that will power our global economy and the future of artificial intelligence," said Governor Shapiro. "These facilities are really going to serve as the backbone of America's AI infrastructure, helping make sure that the United States continues to remain at the forefront of global technology innovation," said Kevin Miller, vice president of global data centers for Amazon Web Services. The data centers will be built in Luzerne County and a former U.S. Steel mill in Bucks County. But Amazon says other parts of Pennsylvania are under consideration. "It is just the beginning, because our administration is actively engaged with Amazon on additional sites in our commonwealth," Shapiro said. The governor said the investment is expected to create at least 1,250 jobs and thousands of local construction jobs. Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Dave McCormick applauded the announcement and said it builds momentum ahead of his upcoming Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh next month. "Pennsylvania is blessed; we have amazing assets. We have the second-largest energy capability in the country, the fourth-largest natural gas reserves in the world. We have the absolute best skilled workforce, hardest-working workforce," said McCormick. Carnegie Mellon University President Farnam Jahanian released a statement about the Amazon investment announcement, saying, "This historic investment by AWS - and the research and innovation network it envisions - will deliver unprecedented computing power and strengthen Pennsylvania's position as the nation's premier AI and energy hub. It will also create jobs in skilled trades, hasten the speed of innovation and supercharge startup growth. Carnegie Mellon University, working with research universities across Pennsylvania, is ready to help lead planning efforts for this research network, and we congratulate Governor Josh Shapiro, AWS and stakeholders across the Commonwealth on this extraordinary partnership."

Amazon to spend $20B on data centers in Pennsylvania, including one next to a nuclear power plant

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Amazon said Monday that it will spend $20 billion on two data center complexes in Pennsylvania, including one it is building alongside a nuclear power plant that has drawn federal scrutiny over an arrangement to essentially plug right into the power plant. Kevin Miller, vice president of global data centers at Amazon's cloud computing subsidiary, Amazon Web Services, told The Associated Press that the company will build another data center complex just north of Philadelphia. One data center is being built next to northeastern Pennsylvania's Susquehanna nuclear power plant. The other will be in Fairless Hills at a logistics campus, the Keystone Trade Center, on what was once a U.S. Steel mill. In a statement, Gov. Josh Shapiro called it the largest capital investment in Pennsylvania's history. The announcements add to the billions of dollars in Big Tech's data center cash already flowing into the state. Since 2024 started, Amazon has committed to about $10 billion apiece to data center projects in Mississippi, Indiana, Ohio and North Carolina as it ramps up its investment in infrastructure to compete with other tech giants to meet growing demand for artificial intelligence products. The rapid growth of cloud computing and artificial intelligence has fueled demand for data centers that need power to run servers, storage systems, networking equipment and cooling systems. The majority owner of the Susquehanna nuclear power plant, Talen Energy, announced last year that it had sold its data center to Amazon for $650 million in a deal to eventually provide 960 megawatts. That's 40% of the output of one of the nation's largest nuclear power plants, or enough to power more than a half-million homes. However, the arrangement between Talen and Amazon -- called a "behind the meter" connection -- has been held up by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in the first such case to come before the agency. It has raised questions over whether diverting power to higher-paying customers will leave enough for others and whether it's fair to excuse big power users from paying for the grid. For Big Tech, plugging energy-hungry data centers directly into a power plant can take years off their development timelines and is a much faster route to procuring power than having to connect to the congested electricity grid. It's not clear when FERC, which blocked the deal on a procedural grounds, will decide the matter, leaving in limbo regulatory treatment of the deal and others that likely would follow. Already in Pennsylvania, Microsoft announced a deal with the owner of the shuttered Three Mile Island nuclear power plant to restart the reactor under a 20-year agreement to supply its data centers in four states with energy. Meanwhile, the owners of what was once Pennsylvania's biggest coal-fired power plant say they will turn it into a $10 billion natural gas-powered data center campus.

Amazon doubles down on AI with $20B Pennsylvania investment

Amazon made similar commitments in North Carolina, with $10 billion earmarked to expand its data center infrastructure in the US State. Amazon is planning to pour $20 billion into the US state of Pennsylvania to build two new data centers to expand its AI infrastructure. The location for the data centers is still up in the air, with Salem Township and Falls Township as the frontrunners, but other Pennsylvania communities are under consideration, according to a June 9 statement from Amazon. The AI arms race between companies has been heating up this year, with Meta reportedly in talks back in February to build a data center campus for AI projects and OpenAI announcing in January it was investing $500 billion for new AI infrastructure over the next four years. Along with the data centers, Amazon said it has partnered with Pennsylvania educational institutions and workforce organizations to create training centers that support careers in cloud computing infrastructure. The training and education programs are expected to include data center technician programs, fiber optic fusion splicing workshops and STEM awareness and learning opportunities for K-12 schools. Amazon said its efforts are geared toward securing the US as a leader in the accelerating AI race. "Our strategic investments in advanced computing infrastructure and specialized AI hardware are building the technology backbone for the next generation of generative and agentic AI, and helping to secure America's position at the forefront of global innovation," Amazon said. The tech giant also made similar commitments in North Carolina on June 4, with a $10 billion investment to expand its data center infrastructure to support AI and cloud computing technologies. US firms have begun ramping up AI expansion. On May 29, social media giant Meta joined the growing list of firms developing AI-powered technology for the US military, entering a deal to create AI-powered virtual and augmented reality gear. Meanwhile, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said in November that his firm is focused on being at the forefront of agentic AI, and Microsoft said in September that it was establishing two AI centers in Abu Dhabi. Bitcoin (BTC) mining companies have also been diversifying their income streams to include AI, converting some of their crypto mining operations to help run compute-intensive large language models. Riot Platforms appointed three new directors to its board in February, one of whom has experience converting Bitcoin mining assets toward HPC. Hive Digital, Hut 8 and Iris Energy converted part of their operations to HPC and AI last year. Related: Why tech giants like Amazon may hesitate to adopt Bitcoin TeraWulf sold its stake in a Bitcoin mining facility for $92 million in October, with the proceeds marked for hosting AI and building HPC data centers. In an August report, asset manager VanEck estimated that if publicly traded Bitcoin mining companies shifted 20% of their energy capacity to AI and HPC by 2027, they could increase additional yearly profits by $13.9 billion over 13 years.

Amazon to spend $20 billion on data centers in Pennsylvania, including one at a nuclear power plant

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) -- Amazon said Monday that it will spend $20 billion on two data center complexes in Pennsylvania, including one it is building alongside a nuclear power plant that has drawn federal scrutiny over an arrangement to essentially plug right into the power plant. Kevin Miller, vice president of global data centers at Amazon's cloud computing subsidiary, Amazon Web Services, told The Associated Press that the company will build another data center complex just north of Philadelphia. The announcements add to the billions of dollars in Big Tech's data center cash already flowing into the state. Since 2024 started, Amazon has committed to about $10 billion apiece to data center projects in Mississippi, Indiana, Ohio and North Carolina as it ramps up its investment in infrastructure to compete with other tech giants to meet growing demand for artificial intelligence products. The rapid growth of cloud computing and artificial intelligence has fueled demand for data centers that need power to run servers, storage systems, networking equipment and cooling systems. The majority owner of the Susquehanna nuclear power plant, Talen Energy, announced last year that it had sold its data center to Amazon for $650 million in a deal to eventually provide 960 megawatts. That's 40% of the output of one of the nation's largest nuclear power plants, or enough to power more than a half-million homes. However, the arrangement between Talen and Amazon -- called a "behind the meter" connection -- has been held up by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in the first such case to come before the agency. It has raised questions over whether diverting power to higher-paying customers will leave enough for others and whether it's fair to excuse big power users from paying for the grid.

Amazon to invest $20 billion in Pennsylvania data centers

Amazon plans to invest at least $20 billion to build out two data centers in Pennsylvania, the e-commerce and cloud computing giant announced Monday alongside Keystone State leaders. The new data centers will be located in Salem Township alongside the Susquehanna nuclear power plant and in Falls Township on the site of a former steel mill, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) said. "Pennsylvania workers, over decades, over centuries, have made our Commonwealth and our country safer and freer, and what we are talking about here today is yet another national security issue that Pennsylvania can lead on," Shapiro said Monday. "See right now, there is a battle for supremacy when it comes to AI, a battle that will be won by either the United States or China," he continued. "I'm comforted by the fact that thanks to Amazon, the future of AI is going to run right here through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania." The latest Amazon data centers come as tech companies race to develop AI, competing with fellow U.S. firms, as well as Chinese companies like Deep Seek. This has spurred new interest in data center construction that extends all the way to the White House. President Trump announced the Stargate project in January, with the goal of investing $500 billion in AI infrastructure over the next four years. However, rapid AI development has also expanded energy demands, leading major tech firms to increasingly seek out additional capacity, including in the form of nuclear energy. Amazon has run into roadblocks from federal regulators as it has attempted to increase the power flowing to its new data center co-located with the Susquehanna nuclear plant in Pennsylvania. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in November rejected the company's request to alter an existing agreement with the power plant to boost its capacity by 180 megawatts. The regulator upheld its decision in April.

Amazon to Spend $20 Billion on Data Centers in Pennsylvania, Including One at a Nuclear Power Plant

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) -- Amazon said Monday that it will spend $20 billion on two data center complexes in Pennsylvania, including one it is building alongside a nuclear power plant that has drawn federal scrutiny over an arrangement to essentially plug right into the power plant. Kevin Miller, vice president of global data centers at Amazon's cloud computing subsidiary, Amazon Web Services, told The Associated Press that the company will build another data center complex just north of Philadelphia. The announcements add to the billions of dollars in Big Tech's data center cash already flowing into the state. Since 2024 started, Amazon has committed to about $10 billion apiece to data center projects in Mississippi, Indiana, Ohio and North Carolina as it ramps up its investment in infrastructure to compete with other tech giants to meet growing demand for artificial intelligence products. The rapid growth of cloud computing and artificial intelligence has fueled demand for data centers that need power to run servers, storage systems, networking equipment and cooling systems. The majority owner of the Susquehanna nuclear power plant, Talen Energy, announced last year that it had sold its data center to Amazon for $650 million in a deal to eventually provide 960 megawatts. That's 40% of the output of one of the nation's largest nuclear power plants, or enough to power more than a half-million homes. However, the arrangement between Talen and Amazon -- called a "behind the meter" connection -- has been held up by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in the first such case to come before the agency. It has raised questions over whether diverting power to higher-paying customers will leave enough for others and whether it's fair to excuse big power users from paying for the grid. Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Amazon to invest $20 billion in Pennsylvania to expand cloud infrastructure

The investment in Pennsylvania comes less than a week after Amazon said it will invest $10 billion in North Carolina and announced plans to invest more than $5 billion in its new cloud infrastructure in Taiwan. The investment will create 1,250 high-skilled jobs and support thousands more in the Amazon Web Services data center supply chain, the company said.Amazon.com said on Monday it plans to invest at least $20 billion in Pennsylvania to expand data center infrastructure, adding on to the billions of dollars the technology giant has committed to the expansion of artificial intelligence. This underscores Big Tech's commitment to making hefty investments to support booming generative AI technology, as the world's biggest companies race each other to deliver the most sophisticated AI models and cloud services. The investment in Pennsylvania comes less than a week after Amazon said it will invest $10 billion in North Carolina and announced plans to invest more than $5 billion in its new cloud infrastructure in Taiwan. The investment will create 1,250 high-skilled jobs and support thousands more in the Amazon Web Services data center supply chain, the company said. Salem Township and Falls Township are the first communities identified as sites for future campuses, according to the company. Amazon's capital expenditures totaled about $25 billion in the first quarter, and the company has said it expects to maintain that level of spending for the rest of the year. Amazon did not immediately respond to a request for additional details on whether the $20 billion investment was part of the previously announced capital expenditure plans. The company also did not specify a timeframe for its investment.

AWS To Spend $20B On Data Center, AI Infrastructure In Pennsylvania

The cloud computing giant says that the investment will fulfill its needs for cloud and AI more than a year after it acquired a data center at a nuclear power station in the state. More than a year after Amazon acquired a data center located at a nuclear power station in Pennsylvania, the tech giant said it would spend at least $20 billion expanding its cloud computing and AI infrastructure in the Keystone State. The tech giant and its Amazon Web Services cloud computing unit said they already have identified two future data center campuses in the state: one in Salem Township in the northeastern part of the state and another one in Falls Township in Bucks County, near Philadelphia. Amazon also said "multiple additional Pennsylvania communities are under consideration," which means the state will soon be home to a number of new data center campuses. Amazon said in a news release that the investment will lead to 1,250 "new high-skilled jobs and supporting thousands more in the AWS data center supply chain." Last year, Seattle-based Amazon purchased Talen's data center campus, known as Cumulus Data, for $650 million, according to a Talen investor presentation. The sale included all the land, power infrastructure, powered shell and intangibles on the data center campus. And this past March, Falls Township approved a plan by NorthPoint Development to develop a data center campus at the site of a former U.S. Steel property but did not disclose Amazon would be involved. Amazon Web Services is the leading cloud computing provider in the world in terms of market share. The company is expected to spend $100 billion this year alone on ramping up its infrastructure for AI, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said in an earnings call with investors and analysts this past February. In the fourth quarter of its last fiscal year, Jassy said Amazon spent $26.3 billion on its infrastructure. "When AWS is expanding its capex, particularly in what we think is one of these once-in-a-lifetime type of business opportunities like AI represents, I think it's actually quite a good sign, medium to long term, for the AWS business," said Jassy in response to an analyst question. "And I actually think that spending this capital to pursue this opportunity, which from our perspective, we think virtually every application that we know of today is going to be reinvented with AI inside of it and with inference being a core building block, just like compute and storage and database." Just last week, Amazon said it would spend $10 billion on data center infrastructure in North Carolina. Amazon and other vendors like Google and Microsoft have been expanding their investments in the cloud and AI race. Google and its parent company Alphabet said it would spend $75 billion on data center infrastructure this year, while Microsoft has committed to spend $80 billion.

Amazon To Invest $20 Billion In 2 Pennsylvania Data Centers, Governor Josh Shapiro Says The State Will 'Lead' On US-China AI 'Battle' - Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN)

Amazon.com, Inc. AMZN is set to invest $20 billion into building two new data centers in Pennsylvania. Governor Josh Shapiro was joined by company officials on Monday to announce the facilities. What Happened: The data centers will be established in two different locations: one in Salem Township next to the Susquehanna nuclear power plant and another in Falls Township on the site of a former steel mill. Governor Shapiro hailed the move as a milestone in the state's role in national development. "Pennsylvania workers, over decades, over centuries, have made our Commonwealth and our country safer and freer, and what we are talking about here today is yet another national security issue that Pennsylvania can lead on." He added, "See right now, there is a battle for supremacy when it comes to AI, a battle that will be won by either the United States or China. I'm comforted by the fact that thanks to Amazon, the future of AI is going to run right here through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania." See Also: OpenAI Surges Past $10 Billion In Annualized Revenue Amid Record ChatGPT Use, Leaves Rivals Like Amazon-Backed Anthropic Behind Why It Matters: The announcement comes as tech giants race against rivals, both foreign and domestic, to develop advanced AI infrastructure. In January, President Donald Trump announced the Stargate project, in collaboration with OpenAI, SoftBank and Oracle, aiming to invest $500 billion in U.S.-based AI infrastructure projects in the next four years. Notably, the rapid development of AI comes with a growing demand for energy. Amazon has faced regulatory hurdles in its bid to increase power supply to its new data center adjacent to the Susquehanna nuclear plant. In November, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) denied the company's request to modify an existing agreement to add 180 megawatts of capacity, and stood by that decision in April. Last week, Amazon announced plans to invest $10 billion in North Carolina data center infrastructure. Price Action: Amazon stock closed at $216.98 on Monday, up 1.60% for the day. In after-hours trading, the stock rose to $217.05, up 0.03%. Benzinga Edge Rankings show strong growth (97.15) and quality (70.40) scores, with moderate momentum (63.05) and value (49.84). For more details, click here. Read Next: OpenAI's Srinivas Narayanan Says ChatGPT Is No Longer Just Conversational: It's Now Taking Actions 'On Your Behalf' Photo courtesy: Markus Mainka / Shutterstock.com AMZNAmazon.com Inc$216.54-0.20%Stock Score Locked: Want to See it? Benzinga Rankings give you vital metrics on any stock - anytime. Reveal Full ScoreEdge RankingsMomentum63.05Growth97.15Quality70.40Value49.84Price TrendShortMediumLongOverviewMarket News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs

Amazon Announces $20 Billion Cloud/AI Project in Pennsylvania | PYMNTS.com

The new investment, announced Monday (June 9), is aimed at bolstering the tech giant's artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing technologies. The so-called "innovation campuses" are slated for Salem Township, just west of Pittsburgh, and Falls Township, a Philadelphia suburb, with Amazon considering multiple other communities in the state. Amazon said the project will create at least 1,250 new jobs, while supporting thousands more along the Amazon Web Services (AWS) data center supply chain. These jobs include data center engineers and network specialists, engineering operations managers, security specialists and additional technical roles. "Amazon's multi-billion-dollar investment in Pennsylvania reinforces our dedication to advancing AI innovation while creating lasting economic opportunities in the state," David Zapolsky, Amazon's chief global affairs and legal officer, said in the announcement. "By expanding our cloud computing infrastructure, we're investing in Pennsylvania's future through new jobs, workforce development programs, and community initiatives. We look forward to helping drive the next generation of technology innovation, while delivering meaningful benefits for Pennsylvania residents." The announcement comes less than a week after Amazon revealed it was making a similar investment in North Carolina, with the company planning to spend $10 billion to bolster its AI and cloud technology, while creating 500 jobs. Efforts like these, PYMNTS wrote, underscore Amazon's ambitions on the AI infrastructure front, as the company and its rival Walmart are leveraging AI to redefine shopping experiences, logistics and customer engagement. Walmart is embracing "agentic AI," autonomous digital agents perform tasks on behalf of users, while Amazon has begun enhancing its warehouse and logistics network using robots which can understand and respond to natural language commands. "This is a bold step toward more adaptive automation and human-robot collaboration, promising increased efficiency and decreased operational friction," PYMNTS wrote. In a separate report last month, PYMNT wrote that after years of competing, Amazon and Walmart now face the same challenge: changing consumer behavior. "Recent earnings reports have delivered a warning shot for both industry heavyweights," that report said. "After years of riding the tailwinds of a pandemic-induced shift to digital shopping, both companies now face a slower-growth environment as consumer spending patterns evolve and tariffs threaten price increases on everything from furniture to clothing."

Amazon to invest $20 billion in Pennsylvania for AI tech expansion By Investing.com

Investing.com -- Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) announced on Monday its plan to invest a minimum of $20 billion in Pennsylvania to enhance its data center infrastructure. The investment will support the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing technologies. Salem Township and Falls Township are the initial communities identified for these future innovation campuses, with several other Pennsylvania communities under consideration. This significant investment is projected to create at least 1,250 new high-skilled positions and support thousands of other jobs in the Amazon Web Services (AWS) data center supply chain. The new jobs will include roles such as data center engineers, network specialists, security specialists, engineering operations managers, and other technical roles. In addition to these direct positions, the planned investment is expected to support thousands of local construction jobs, supply chain positions, and other jobs in the local community. The announcement in Pennsylvania, coupled with previous commitments made across the U.S., strengthens Amazon's investment in generative AI and high-tech cloud infrastructure. "Pennsylvania is competing again -- and I'm proud to announce that with Amazon's commitment of at least $20 billion to build new state-of-the-art data center campuses across our Commonwealth, we have secured the largest private sector investment in the history of Pennsylvania," said Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. David Zapolsky, Amazon's chief global affairs and legal officer, also commented on the investment. He stated that Amazon's multi-billion-dollar investment in Pennsylvania reinforces their dedication to advancing AI innovation while creating lasting economic opportunities in the state. The planned AI innovation campuses will join Amazon's growing operations across the Commonwealth, which currently includes 23 fulfillment and sortation centers and 20 last-mile delivery stations.

Amazon to invest $20 billion in Pennsylvania into AI and cloud tech expansion By Investing.com

Investing.com -- Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) has revealed plans to invest a minimum of $20 billion in Pennsylvania to broaden its data center infrastructure. The investment is aimed at supporting the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing technologies. Salem Township and Falls Township have been identified as the initial locations for these forthcoming innovation campuses, with several other Pennsylvania communities under review. This significant investment is anticipated to generate at least 1,250 new high-skilled jobs and support thousands more within the Amazon Web Services (AWS) data center supply chain. The new positions will include a diverse range of technical roles such as data center engineers, network specialists, engineering operations managers, and security specialists. The investment is also projected to support local construction jobs and other positions within the data center supply chain and local community. Since 2010, Amazon's investments in Pennsylvania have totaled $26 billion, contributing the same amount to the state's GDP. These investments have supported 27,000 full and part-time positions, and 37,100 indirect jobs across various facilities. In addition to job creation, Amazon plans to introduce training and education programs to the local communities. These programs will include data center technician programs, fiber optic fusion splicing workshops, and STEM awareness and learning opportunities for K-12 schools. The company is also initiating the Amazon Northeastern Pennsylvania Community Fund with a commitment of $250,000. The fund will provide grants up to $10,000 each, supporting STEM education, sustainability and environment, digital skills, culture and heritage, health and well-being.

Amazon to Invest $20 Billion in Pennsylvania to Expand AI Infrastructure

Amazon.com said it plans to invest at least $20 billion in Pennsylvania to expand its data center infrastructure to support artificial intelligence and cloud computing technologies. The company said Salem Township and Falls Township are the first communities identified as sites for these future innovation campuses. Multiple additional Pennsylvania communities are under consideration, Amazon said. This investment is expected to create at least 1,250 new, high-skilled jobs while supporting thousands of other jobs in the Amazon Web Services data center supply chain. The new jobs will include data center engineers, network specialists and engineering operations managers. Amazon said it already has 23 fulfillment and sortation centers, and 20 last-mile delivery stations, in Pennsylvania. Last week, the company said it plans to invest an estimated $10 billion in North Carolina for similar purposes.

Amazon to spend $20B on data centers in Pennsylvania, including one next to a nuclear power plant

While critics say data centers employ relatively few people and pack little long-term job-creation punch, their advocates say they require a huge number of construction jobs to build, spend enormous sums at area vendors and generate strong tax revenues for local governments. Shapiro touted the work that will keep construction trades members busy building data centers, the tech jobs that will be waiting for graduates of area colleges and the millions of dollars in property taxes that will flow to schools and local governments. "For too long, we've watched as talents across got hollowed out and left behind," Shapiro said at the news conference. "No more. Now is our time to rebuild those communities and invest in them. This investment in starts reversing that trend." will provide possibly tens of millions of dollars in incentives, typically a key element of data center deals as states compete for the large installations they hope will be an economic bonanza. Shapiro's administration said it will spend to pay for training classes and facilities at schools, community colleges and union halls to meet the skills demand for the data centers. also will qualify for Pennsylvania's existing sales tax exemption on purchases of data center equipment, such as servers and routers, an exemption that most states offer and that is viewed as a must-have for a state to compete. The announcements add to the billions of dollars in Big Tech's data center cash flowing into the state. Since 2024 started, has committed to about apiece to data center projects in , , and as it ramps up its infrastructure to compete with other tech giants to meet growing demand for artificial intelligence products. The rapid growth of cloud computing and artificial intelligence has meanwhile fueled demand for energy-hungry data centers that need power to run servers, storage systems, networking equipment and cooling systems. The majority owner of the nuclear power plant, , last year sold its data center and land adjacent to the plant to for in a deal to eventually provide 960 megawatts of electricity, likely at a premium. That's 40% of the output of one of the nation's largest nuclear power plants, or enough to power more than a half-million homes. is effectively gutting that data center and building its own, larger facility on the land. However, the power-supply arrangement between Talen and -- called a "behind the meter" connection -- has been held up by the in the first such case to come before the agency. For Big Tech, plugging data centers directly into a power plant can take years off their development timelines and is a much faster route to procuring power than connecting to the congested electricity grid. But it has raised questions over whether diverting power to higher-paying customers will leave enough for others and whether it's fair to excuse big power users from paying fees to improve the grid. Meanwhile, the owners of what was once Pennsylvania's biggest coal-fired power plant say they will turn it into a natural gas-powered data center campus. Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. , source