PIKETON, Ohio - A major infrastructure project is set to transform the site of a former uranium enrichment facility in southern Ohio. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced plans to develop a 10-gigawatt data center and accompanying power generation facilities on the grounds of the decommissioned Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Pike County. The site, now rebranded as the "PORTS Technology Campus", is positioned to become a hub for cutting-edge technology and energy development.
The DOE revealed that the project will include up to 10 gigawatts of new power generation, with 9.2 gigawatts sourced from natural gas. Officials stated that this public-private partnership aligns with efforts to enhance artificial intelligence development in the United States. The initiative is part of a strategic plan to advance commercial AI technology while simultaneously fostering energy and industrial growth.
The Portsmouth site is among 16 federal locations identified by the DOE last year as potential venues for technology companies to establish large-scale data management and storage facilities. Earlier this month, President Donald Trump met with tech industry leaders at the White House, urging them to integrate independent power generation into their energy-intensive data center projects.
The Ohio project exemplifies this approach, combining on-site and grid-connected power generation capabilities alongside substantial transmission infrastructure upgrades. Officials have confirmed that companies involved will invest billions in these improvements. The DOE emphasized that the upgrades will not result in increased rates for utility customers.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright underscored the significance of the project, stating that it will "add power generation, create jobs, and ensure the United States wins the AI race." Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reinforced this sentiment, describing the initiative as part of a broader mission to "reindustrialize the country" through expansive energy and technology projects.
The project features a collaboration between Japanese investment firm SoftBank, through its affiliate SB Energy, and AEP Ohio. This partnership will oversee the construction of the power and transmission infrastructure, which includes a $4.2 billion investment in grid upgrades. Additionally, the project is supported by $33.3 billion in Japanese funding as part of the U.S.-Japan Strategic Trade and Investment Agreement, a deal announced by President Trump last year.
SoftBank’s involvement ties into its broader initiative with OpenAI and Oracle, known as Stargate, which aims to build large-scale AI infrastructure in the U.S. The partnership could lead to an investment of up to $500 billion in AI-focused data centers, with the Ohio site set to play a critical role in these efforts.
While the DOE anticipates significant benefits from the project, including thousands of new jobs and advancements in areas such as fusion energy and quantum computing, not everyone is on board. Some rural Ohio residents have voiced opposition, citing environmental and societal concerns tied to AI-driven data centers. A petition to place a constitutional ban on such mega-projects on the statewide ballot highlights this growing disapproval.
Despite these challenges, Ohio remains a prominent player in the data center industry, ranking fifth in the nation with approximately 200 facilities. Major tech companies like Google, Amazon Web Services, and Meta have already established data centers in the state, solidifying its role as a hub for technology development.
Construction at the Portsmouth site is expected to commence this year, marking a new chapter for the once-dormant facility. In addition to supporting advanced technologies, officials have stated that any excess power generated at the site will be fed back into the grid, potentially reducing electricity costs for the surrounding region.
As the PORTS Technology Campus project unfolds, it represents a bold step toward reimagining industrial spaces for modern technological needs while fostering economic growth and international collaboration. "This initiative", said Secretary Wright, "is a testament to our commitment to building a stronger, more innovative America."
