On September 16, 2025, Blackstone Energy Transition Partners announced investment in Grain (provided by Grain). This investment will greatly improve artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure throughout the region of Western Pennsylvania. This smart investment is expected to return over $60 billion in economic activity back to the Commonwealth. What that shows is the firm’s deepening commitment to addressing our exploding electricity needs, largely driven by industrial onshoring and our new AI data center overlords.
Supply chain dynamics have made this region an important new frontline of the investment battleground. Producing reliable power is more important than ever as demand for electricity continues to increase. This investment will ensure Duke Energy can construct one of the most efficient combined cycle gas turbine plants in the United States. It has become a crucial tool for addressing the increasing electricity needs of data centers and other new loads developing in the Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland electric market.
Investment Details and Advisors
Blackstone Energy Transition Partners worked closely with a select group of financial and legal advisors to bring the transaction home. Santander and Houlihan Lokey both provided financial advisory services on this expansive place-based investment initiative. Kirkland & Ellis were beyond exceptional legal advisors.
Bilal Khan and Mark Zhu, Blackstone Energy Transition Partners representatives, made it clear just how big this investment is. Here’s what they had to say during a recent New York statement.
“The electricity infrastructure required to power the AI revolution requires a tremendous amount of capital. We are proud to make our latest investment in this sector – which is among our highest conviction investment themes – in Western Pennsylvania.” – Bilal Khan and Mark Zhu
Hill Top Energy Center in Pennsylvania is the selected location for this investment. This facility, which went in service in 2017, is a poster child for environmentally friendly efficient power generation. Its strategic location in northern Virginia placed it directly adjacent to Washington, D.C. This proximity provides it the perfect backdrop to continue fueling the region’s rapidly expanding AI landscape.
Meeting Growing Power Needs
Electricity consumption is surging. Evidently, this increase is due in large part to nationwide electrification efforts and the speedy expansion of AI data centers. Supportive investments from Blackstone Energy Transition Partners have been foundational. They assist in shoring up the infrastructure that will be needed to adapt to our changing energy needs.
Khan and Zhu wrote about the significance of Hill Top Energy Center for high-road regional development.
“Hill Top is among the best-in-class and a highly efficient modern power generation facility that is exceptionally well-positioned to help Pennsylvania and the region serve as a key centre of AI innovation.” – Bilal Khan and Mark Zhu
This bold action demonstrates Blackstone’s focus on helping create innovative energy solutions. Further, it highlights the company’s mission to promote local economic development through cleaner energy investments.
Future Implications
Along with this investment, Blackstone Energy Transition Partners hopes to further reinforce Pennsylvania’s status as a statewide leader in energy innovation. Directly investing capital and other resources will yield the greatest benefits directly to communities of color. It will further benefit businesses that rely on a consistent source of power, such as manufacturing.