According to a Wilkes-Barre Times-Leader and The Citizens’ Voice articles on the meeting, Newport commissioners said they have very little information on the project and have not received any plans yet.
“It’s a proposal. We have not met with anybody. I can’t wait to meet with somebody,” said commissioner John Zyla.
On October 6, PA Environment Digest received the following press release from Fit Energy on the project saying it has zoning approvals from Newport Township and includes a quote from the Township Manager welcoming the company’s investment in the community.
The Fit Energy press release follows--
NEWPORT TOWNSHIP, Pa., October 6, 2026 — Fit Energy, a developer of reliable energy solutions for data center projects, today announced plans for a fuel cell power generation and data center project in Newport Township, Luzerne County, following Township zoning approval in August 2026 for both uses. Engineering and the remaining permitting work are now underway ahead of construction.
The project is planned on land that has already been mined and quarried, putting previously used industrial property back into productive use rather than developing untouched forests or farmland.
The on-site power will be generated by natural gas fuel cells supplied by FuelCell Energy, Inc., a Connecticut-based manufacturer of utility-scale fuel cell technology, under its strategic agreement with Fit Energy.
The fuel cells produce electricity quietly through an electrochemical process rather than combustion, which helps deliver cleaner energy with minimal impact on the surrounding community.
On-site power generation will reduce the project’s reliance on the regional power grid.
The site plan includes setbacks, landscaping, and screening designed to limit views of the site from nearby homes and local roads, demonstrating a focus on balancing energy infrastructure needs with community character.
The project includes investment in power, natural gas, water, and sewer infrastructure that will serve the site and add to local utility capacity and stability for the future.
Construction is expected to create significant employment and business opportunities for contractors, skilled trades, and suppliers over a multi-year buildout.
Once operational, the project is expected to support permanent skilled positions in operations, maintenance, security, facility management, and technology.
The project is also expected to generate new tax revenue for Newport Township, the local school district, and Luzerne County.
Community Benefits Agreement
Fit Energy is working with Newport Township on a Community Benefits Agreement that would create a formal framework for directing additional investment toward priorities identified by the community.
“The Newport Township Commissioners have been proactive in their response to promote development in appropriately zoned sections of the Township that respects community input and promotes investments that create new jobs and new local tax revenue that enhance the quality of life for all Township residents. We recognize Fit Energy has made significant commitment to this development, and we welcome the company’s investment in our community and appreciate Fit Energy’s willingness to work with the Township to address any and all community concerns,” said Joe Hillan, Newport Township Manager.
Fit Energy intends to be an active member of the Newport Township community, working closely with Township officials and residents through permitting, construction, and operations.
Public Meeting
As part of that commitment, Fit Energy will host a public information session where residents can review the plans, ask questions, and hear directly from the project team.
The date, time, and location will be announced at www.newportdatacenter.com, where residents can also submit questions, read answers to frequently asked questions, and follow project updates.
“A project like this is most successful when the community has the opportunity to hear directly from the people building it,” said Joel Leonoff, Chief Executive Officer, Fit Energy. “We’re committed to being transparent, answering questions and building a long-term relationship with Newport Township as we move through the next stages of this project.”
About Fit Energy
Fit Energy is an energy infrastructure company focused on long-term ownership of generation assets, formed to deliver near-term, scaled energy solutions for the digital economy.
Its platform serves large power requirements through behind-the-meter, microgrid, and grid-connected structures, using technologies ranging from fuel cells to natural gas turbines.
Learn more at www.fitenergy.com.
Learn more about the Newport Township project at www.newportdatacenter.com.
Resource Links:
-- Wilkes-Barre Times-Leader: Hundreds Gather To Oppose A.I. Data Centers In Newport Twp. Monday In Luzerne County
-- The Citizens’ Voice: Hundreds Crowd Newport Twp. Meeting Over A.I. Data Center Concerns
Related Articles This Week:
-- Hundreds Of Protesters Tell Governor Shapiro, Legislators, “We Won’t Back Down;” Call For Data Center Moratorium [PaEN]
-- PUC Chairman Calls For Preemption Of Local Decisions On Needed Electric Generation Facilities; A Firm Bring Your Own Power Before Data Centers Connect To The Grid; PUC Study Identifies 21 Potential Generation Sites [PaEN]
-- Evangelical Environmental Network Action Celebrates PA House Passage Of Battery Storage Legislation With Bipartisan Support [PaEN]
NewsClips:
-- Tribune-Democrat: PA House Advances Bill Requiring Battery Storage For Electric Utilities To Increase Grid Reliability [Republicans Oppose]
-- PennLive/LehighValleyLive: In Pennsylvania, Residents Turn Down $10,000/Household In Hazle Twp., Luzerne County To Back An A.I. Data Center: ‘It’s Like Bribery’
-- PennLive/LehighValleyLive: Outmaneuvered, Outmatched And Outspent: How A.I. Data Centers Are Overwhelming Small-Town America
-- PennLive/LehighValleyLive: Play This A.I. Data Center Simulator To Step Into The Role Of Decision-Maker
-- PA Capital-Star: Some State Leaders Say Changes To PM’s Electric Grid Governance Aren’t Enough
-- Asset Leadership Network: Root Cause Of Energy Unaffordability In PA - Kabuki Theater In Public Utility Ratemaking - And Bad Decision Making - By Richard C. Culbertson, Senior Fellow
[Posted: October 6, 2026] PA Environment Digest
No comments:
Post a Comment