<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM COGENTRIX
ENERGY, INC.'S CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE SIX
MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JUL-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                         118,462
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   53,218
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     18,764
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               191,701
<PP&E>                                         704,236
<DEPRECIATION>                                 172,455
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 865,941
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           97,901
<BONDS>                                        664,284
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           130
<OTHER-SE>                                      50,501
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   865,941
<SALES>                                        180,801
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               187,882
<CGS>                                          143,067
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  143,067
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                67,242
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              28,144
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (50,571)
<INCOME-TAX>                                   (18,895)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (31,676)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                    703
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (32,379)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                  (114.81)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                  (114.81)