In brief
In an effort to bolster artificial intelligence infrastructure, the U.S. Department of Energy has revealed plans for a significant data center at the site of the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant. This project aims to generate up to 10 gigawatts of power, partnering with SoftBank Group and AEP Ohio. Despite local opposition, officials promise job creation and advancements in various energy technologies.
PIKETON, Ohio (AP) — In a strategic move to ramp up the commercial development of artificial intelligence technology, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced plans on Friday for a public-private partnership to establish a major data center at the site of the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, which has been decommissioned in southern Ohio.
The site, now rebranded as the “PORTS Technology Campus,” is set to house a data center that will generate an impressive 10 gigawatts of power, including 9.2 gigawatts from natural gas, as confirmed by DOE officials.
This initiative follows a growing trend, as the DOE eyeing a total of 16 federal sites for collaboration with tech companies on building data management and storage facilities.
Recently, President Donald Trump convened tech leaders at the White House and urged them to establish their own power generation alongside their electricity-heavy sites. This project encompasses on-site power generation as well as regional upgrades to the electrical grid, which are projected to require significant investments.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick were among those present in Piketon for the announcement, sharing insights on the initiative's potential to create numerous jobs and assist the United States in securing leadership in AI technology.
This project is also tied to the U.S.-Japan Strategic Trade and Investment Agreement, with a notable $33 billion in backing from Japanese companies linked to its natural gas component.
However, the announcement also faced criticism from local residents, who have raised concerns about the environmental and fiscal ramifications of such giant data farms. Ohio is already home to around 200 data centres, with notable projects being led by giants like Google and Amazon Web Services.
The construction is projected to begin this year, aiming to generate further job opportunities while also delivering advancements in energy technologies such as fusion energy and quantum computing. Furthermore, any excess electricity produced will be rerouted back to the grid, potentially reducing electricity costs for local consumers.
