Essential Energy, opponents continue debate over proposed Archbald power plant
Archbald Borough Council held its sixth conditional-use hearing on Essential Energy LLC's proposed 400-megawatt natural gas power plant, which would support planned data center development. Opponents argued that the project's conceptual and changing designs do not provide sufficient evidence that it would protect nearby residents, schools, parks and first responders.
Archbald Borough Council continued its review of Essential Energy LLC's application for a proposed 400-megawatt natural gas power plant on Eynon Jermyn Road. The facility is tied to a broader wave of data center proposals in the borough, where 51 data centers are planned across six projects. Essential Energy representatives said the conceptual design can be refined safely through later stages of engineering and permitting.
Attorney Justin Richards, representing residents and Stop Archbald Data Centers, challenged the changing turbine, equipment, pipeline and site-plan details, arguing that the application lacks the credible evidence required by Archbald's zoning ordinance. Opponents also raised concerns about pipeline setbacks, fire and explosion risks, the plant's proximity to homes, schools and Staback Park, and the burden on volunteer firefighters. KCI Technologies technical lead Andrew Markle defended the project and described proposed emergency safeguards, while council members continued questioning whether the available information was sufficient. A seventh hearing is scheduled for Oct. 27 at Valley View High School.