Potomac Edison plots new high-voltage substation for Quantum Frederick data center campus in Maryland

Planning stages began at Potomac Edison this week for a new high-voltage transmission substation at Quantum Loophole’s data center campus in Frederick, Maryland, to support the first phase of its development.

The campus, known as Quantum Frederick, spans 2,100 acres, but the 230-kV substation will be located near its center. It will accommodate up to 240 MW initially, but eventually, it could support up to 1,000 MW. At the same time, Potomac Edison will also reenergize a 230-kV transmission line that has previously served the property for new life supporting the campus.

“Potomac Edison is pleased to be a part of this transformational development project that will generate significant economic benefits for the Frederick community and beyond,” Linda Moss, president of FirstEnergy’s Maryland operations, said. “We have a long history of promoting economic development and helping to attract new jobs to our service area, and we look forward to energizing multiple phases of the Quantum Frederick campus over time.”

Groundbreaking for the new campus took place in June. For the substation, though, reviews by regional transmission organization PJM and its stakeholders are still required before it can proceed. Other components of Potomac Edison’s plans are likewise subject to review and approval by Frederick County and the Maryland Public Service Commission.

Additional pieces to the project include the installation of two transformers to convert the substation’s power to a lower voltage for distribution to Quantum Frederick’s buildings.