Pennsylvania Shuts Down Amid COVID-19, with $48 Billion in Projects in the Balance

Industrial Info estimates that more than 500 or the 2,520 operational industrial plants in Pennsylvania are now shut down as a result of Governor Tom Wolf's order to shutter all but "life-sustaining" businesses in the state due to COVID-19.

 

Such businesses were ordered to shut down immediately, as the state braces for potentially dramatic increases in the number of people sickened by COVID-19. A large number of construction projects across all major industries have been affected, and there is little, if any, idea as to when they will resume.

 

Industrial Info is tracking more than $48 billion in active projects in Pennsylvania, with the Power and Chemical Processing industries alone accounting for more than $30.5 billion.

 

PPL Electric said all office personnel are now working from home. However, COVID 19 has not yet affected PPL Electric's construction timelines. Click here for a list of active PPL Electric projects.

 

One of the most unprecedented moments came on Wednesday, when owners and managers of Royal Dutch Shell plc's estimated $6 billion-plus ethylene complex in Monaca, Pennsylvania, sent home 6,000 construction workers. One of the largest chemical projects in the nation, it will feature a 1.5 million-metric-ton-per-year ethylene plant that will use ethane feedstock from the Marcellus Shale, as well as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) units and a linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) unit. Construction began in early 2017 and was scheduled to be completed later this year; it is unknown how far back the completion date may be pushed. For more information, see Industrial Info's project report.

 

The Monaca plant is just one of nearly $17 billion worth of Chemical Processing Industry projects that could be affected significantly, although the governor’s office announced the manufacturing of “basic chemicals,” as well as resins, pesticides, fertilizers and some other products may continue.

 

The Power Industry has more than $13 billion in active projects on the line, including Itochu Corporation's $950 million Hickory Run Energy Station in New Castle, which is set to finish construction next month. The 950-megawatt facility would be one of the largest natural gas-fired, combined-cycle power station in the U.S. upon completion; it is unknown at this time if its schedule has been pushed back. For more information, see Industrial Info's project report.

 

The Industrial Manufacturing Industry is seeing multiple factories and other facilities close their doors, including those for textiles, plastic and rubber products, home and commercial construction materials, and fabricated metal products. Companies in the Pharmaceutical & Biotech Industry are insisting non-essential personnel work from home, while core groups of 10 production personnel at numerous are staying on a numerous facilities.

 

Mining and oil or gas extraction operations have ceased statewide, as have manufacturing facilities for electronics, transportation-related items and furniture.

 

These industries join schools, restaurants, bars, retailers and many others across Pennsylvania in closing down for an indefinite period. California and New York are implementing similar measures; New York’s Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday ordered 75% of the workforce in nonessential services to stay at home, while California’s Gov. Gavin Newsome ordered all 40 million residents to stay at home. All three states are making exceptions for those who need to visit gas stations, pharmacies, grocery stores and other "essential" businesses.