Builder – Mountain Media, LLC
The first phase of the Monarch Compute Campus, located north of Point Pleasant along W.Va. 62 near the Camp Conley community, is slated to begin operations early next year. Project leaders say the launch will bring approximately 700 jobs to the area and mark a significant step forward for advanced technology infrastructure in West Virginia.
A Transformative AI and Power Hub
The project combines a state-of-the-art data center with an on-site, gas-fired power plant designed to support large-scale computing and artificial intelligence. Nscale Global Holdings recently acquired the initiative and has outlined plans to build one of the world’s largest AI factories at the Monarch campus. Company leaders describe the development as a transformative investment for the region, bringing both blue-collar and high-tech roles to Mason County.
Executives involved in the project have emphasized strong U.S. manufacturing participation in the supply chain. During a recent visit to the Point Pleasant area, leaders from companies providing generators, emissions and thermal systems, and electrical switchgear joined Nscale representatives to review plans and timelines. “We’ve got a lot of made-in-America content,” said Dan Shapiro, chief power and energy officer at Nscale Energy & Power.
Design Priorities: Efficiency, Emissions, and Water Use
Nscale plans to deploy a modern hyperscale data center architecture engineered for high performance and reduced environmental impact compared to older designs. According to the company, the facility will employ a closed-loop system for water use to minimize strain on local water resources, while the power generation systems will utilize best-in-class emissions controls.
Noise mitigation—often a concern in communities near large data centers—has been a key design focus. Shapiro noted that many high-noise facilities were built a decade or more ago, and modern abatement technology has significantly improved since then. The Monarch campus is expected to incorporate hospital-grade noise-reduction equipment, enhanced building insulation, and strategically placed berms and tree buffers to further limit sound beyond the site.
Construction Timeline and Power Capacity
Construction is expected to begin within weeks, with initial buildout targeted for completion by the end of the year. Early next year, the first power generation units are projected to come online, delivering approximately 2 gigawatts (GW) of electricity—similar to a large coal-fired plant. Of that, the data center will use an estimated 1.35 GW for computing operations. Roughly 30% of a modern data center’s electricity consumption typically goes to cooling, and the facility’s systems are being optimized with that in mind.
A second phase of development is planned, though a specific timeline has not been announced. At full buildout, the on-site power plant is expected to generate about 8 GW, with approximately 6.7 GW dedicated to computing and AI workloads.
Community Engagement and Local Impact
As part of its rollout, Nscale has begun engaging with local organizations to support community needs ahead of major construction activity. Company representatives recently presented contributions to several local agencies, underscoring a commitment to invest in the region. “We want to make sure we’re supporting before we show up,” Shapiro said.
Local officials have been briefed on infrastructure planning, including power and water requirements. Point Pleasant Mayor Amber Tatterson noted that stakeholders were told the data center’s operations would not adversely affect local utilities. She also acknowledged that some residents have expressed concerns and opposition, adding, “We’re all just very hopeful that once it comes to fruition, it is what we’re being told.”
Jobs and Long-Term Prospects
The campus is expected to create a diverse range of opportunities, from construction and site operations to advanced computing roles. With its combination of power generation and high-performance computing, the Monarch project positions Mason County as a strategic hub for AI-driven industries and the broader digital economy.
As groundwork begins and the first phase moves toward completion, the coming year will be pivotal for confirming the project’s timelines, environmental performance, and community benefits. If the launch proceeds as planned, the Monarch Compute Campus could become one of the largest and most advanced AI infrastructure sites in the region, delivering both immediate jobs and long-term economic momentum.
