The work of our Steamfitters is synonymous with the most advanced technologies in the world. This includes the construction of new artificial intelligence data centers and power plants.
“These AI data centers generate a tremendous amount of energy and require extensive cooling systems. Steamfitters have all the necessary skills to install and maintain the large chillers and cooling mechanisms that keep these facilities running efficiently,” says Local 449 Business Manager Ken Broadbent.
Broadbent believes the future looks bright for Steamfitters in our region because Western Pennsylvania is the perfect place for these data centers to be constructed.
“There’s no reason Western PA can’t become the Silicon Valley of AI,” he says. “We’re poised better than any other region to make AI a reality. We’ve got the old brownfields and coal fire generating plants that we can easily convert to support the energy required for AI.”
Location and natural resources are cited as two of the main benefits to companies building these plants in our region.
“These brownfields are located right on the power grid and next to water. Plus, we’re sitting on some of the largest natural gas deposits in the world,” Broadbent explains. “Companies need to realize that nuclear energy can take up to 15 years, but we have the natural resources to do it now.”
Work is already underway on the Homer City project, with more facilities expected to follow. So, what does this mean for Steamfitters?
“WORK!” Broadbent emphasizes. “No one is better equipped for these large-scale projects than the skilled labor force in Western Pennsylvania.”
The construction of these AI data centers will rely heavily on the expertise and the elite skills of our Steamfitters so training and manpower is a high priority.