As artificial intelligence and data center energy demand surge across the U.S., Canonsburg-based CNX Resources is at the forefront of a new era in sustainable power generation. The company is leveraging its unique blend of remediated mine gas (RMG) and local shale gas to deliver reliable, low-carbon energy—while delivering lasting benefits for local communities.

Meeting the Moment for AI and Data Centers

The growth in data center construction—and the immense power each facility requires—has put unprecedented strain on the nation’s electric grid.

“The grid is just not set up to handle the predicament it’s in,” said Brent Bobsein, Vice President of Sustainable Development at CNX Resources Corporation. “Regional energy systems are increasingly fragile, ratepayers face rising costs, and net-zero promises often go unfulfilled. We’re seeing record capacity auction costs passed on to customers and a growing reliance on intermittent, high-cost power sources manufactured outside the U.S. It’s time for a solution that works for everyone—especially our local communities.”

Pennsylvania, long a leader in energy production, is uniquely positioned to answer this call. The state’s abundant shale gas supply is a critical resource for powering the digital economy.

A New Model: Local, Flexible, Transparent – And Ready Now

CNX’s answer is a new model for clean, flexible power generation in southwestern Pennsylvania. The company’s approach enables data center projects to come online in as little as 18 to 24 months, delivering net-zero electricity and reducing energy inflation through transparent, locally sourced infrastructure investments.

“Our assets are ready to ramp up quickly to meet data center demand,” said Bobsein. “With strategic sites near Pittsburgh and along major data corridors, we’re enabling cloud providers and AI-ready campuses to scale efficiently—and do so with a positive impact on the region.”

Innovation: Blending Remediated Mine Gas and Shale Gas

At the heart of CNX’s strategy is an innovative fuel blend: 15% ultra-negative carbon intensity RMG and 85% local shale gas. This combination, validated by CNX’s Radical Transparency program, the first such public-private collaboration in the nation, achieves net-zero electricity with no local environmental harm.

RMG is waste gas captured from underground mine ventilation and degasification systems, which are designed to keep underground mine workers safe by preventing methane from building up to concentrations that could cause explosions. Historically, waste mine gas has been released into the atmosphere unmitigated.

“We’re proud to operate one of only three systems in the U.S. bringing RMG from active mines to market,” Bobsein said.

The benefits of RMG have widespread recognition, including US EPA, UN CDM, and US DOE’s Argonne National Laboratory, which assigned RMG a deeply negative carbon intensity of -7,665 lbCO2e/MWh when used for power generation.

When combining a 15% blend of this negative carbon intensity RMG with 85% generic natural gas (+1,204 lbCO2e/MWh), the resulting electricity is net zero.

Community and Workforce Commitment

CNX’s approach extends beyond new technology to meet hyperscalers carbon goals and power needs as RMG/shale gas production also supports local jobs and family-sustaining wages.

With the CNX Foundation and Mentorship Academy’s focus on preparing the next generation workforce in underserved communities hardest hit by the energy transition, CNX’s efforts offer employment opportunities to those most in need. “We’re not just building infrastructure—we’re building futures and hiring local in the communities where we operate,” Bobsein emphasized.

Environmental Leadership and Radical Transparency

The company’s Radical Transparency initiative, developed in partnership with the state of Pennsylvania, sets a new industry standard for environmental monitoring and disclosure. “We’re committed to ensuring no harm to the environment or public health,” Bobsein explained. “All our data is available in real time and verified by independent auditors. It’s about trust and accountability in the communities where gas is sourced to power the coming data center economy.”

Looking Ahead

As AI and data center electricity demand continue to rise, CNX is ready to deliver its blend of local energy innovation, transparency, and community focus to set a new standard for the industry.

“We’re leading the development of the data center economy through sustainable energy solutions that benefit all stakeholders,” Bobsein said. “This is about delivering environmental and economic benefits—while strengthening the grid and reducing costs for everyone.”

CNX uniquely delivers a solution providing speed to market combined with a local sustainability derisking option. With the CNX solution, project developers across the Appalachian region can access ready-now, reliable power while also satisfying sustainability goals and bolstering local license to operate.

More information regarding Remediated Mine Gas (also referred to as Coal Mine Methane) can be found at https://wastegascapture.com/.

CNX Taps Unique Local Resources to Power AI Demand, Blending Sustainability, Speed to Market, and Community Impact