Tapas Talks hosted the first event of its 2026 season on Feb. 12, drawing a large, inquisitive audience to explore why Western Pennsylvania is rapidly becoming the global destination for artificial intelligence infrastructure.
The program at the Allegheny Country Club in Sewickley featured International Electric Power leaders Peter Dailey, CEO, and John Hamilton, senior vice president of technology and development.
Founded in 2003 by Dailey, International Electric Power is led by a team of industry experts with decades of experience in power generation and large-scale infrastructure. It delivers high-performance energy solutions through the design and operation of turnkey thermal, solar and energy storage projects. Guided by a commitment to reliability and sustainability, the company helps partners navigate the complexities of modern energy demands.
Dailey and Hamilton outlined why the region is uniquely positioned to lead the next digital industrial revolution. As generative AI creates a relentless demand for computational power, the discussion focused on how Western Pennsylvania’s industrial legacy is being repurposed to meet 21st century needs.
“We selected this topic because AI is no longer a distant concept; it is a transformational force reshaping every facet of our economy,” said David Genter, vice president of Tapas Talks Programs. “Understanding the intersection of our energy heritage and this new technology is vital for our community’s future.”
Strategic advantage: power and talent
While traditional tech hubs struggle with energy constraints, Western Pennsylvania offers a strategic shift.
Data centers — the physical engines of AI — require two essential components: reliable, scalable energy and world-class talent. Dailey and Hamilton highlighted how the region’s blend of academic expertise and robust energy infrastructure creates an unparalleled environment for AI deployment.
Spotlight on Project Hummingbird
A centerpiece of the evening was an in-depth look at Project Hummingbird, a flagship International Electric Power initiative designed to bridge the gap between energy demand and high-tech innovation. Located in Greene County, Project Hummingbird is a massive hyperscale data center complex and power plant aimed at transforming the former Robena Mine site into a hub for AI and cloud computing.
Key details of the project include:
• Location and infrastructure: The 1,400-acre “brownfield” site in Monongahela Township involves the reclamation of old mining land. The project includes a dedicated “Power Island” featuring two natural gas turbines generating 910 to 944 megawatts—enough to power nearly a million homes.
• Economic impact: Led by IEP in partnership with Essential Utilities, the project is projected to create 1,500 annual construction jobs over a six-year build period. Permanent operations will sustain about 200 to 250 high-tech and utility jobs.
• Timeline: Following site approval in late 2025, construction is slated to begin in 2026, with the data center reaching completion by 2028 and the power plant becoming fully operational in 2029.
“At IEP, we aren’t just building a power plant and data center; we are reclaiming a legacy,” Dailey said. “Project Hummingbird is born from the belief that Western Pennsylvania’s industrial roots are the perfect foundation for the digital future. We are doing this because our region has the unique combination of land, water and fuel required to power the next generation of global innovation right here at home.”
Community impact and philanthropy
“We are incredibly grateful to Peter Dailey and John Hamilton for sharing their unique perspective,” said Fran Merryman, founder and president of Tapas Talks. “Their insights prove that our region doesn’t just have the potential to participate in the AI boom — it has the resources and the legacy to lead the way.”
In keeping with the Tapas Talks mission, speakers receive an honorarium to donate to a charity of their choice. Dailey and Hamilton have designated their gift to Keystone Elk Country Alliance, a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit wildlife conservation organization dedicated to conserving and enhancing Pennsylvania’s Elk Country for future generations.
About Tapas Talks
The nonprofit Tapas Talks hosts an annual three-part speaker series celebrating the outstanding talent and achievements of individuals in the Sewickley community. Its mission is to inform, inspire, connect and give back. At the conclusion of each season, donations are distributed to local organizations, including the Sewickley YMCA, Sewickley Community Center, Quaker Valley Education Foundation and Union Aid Society.
