What's billed as the world's biggest data center is garnering support in Piketon, Ohio
A massive data center project, proposed to be the world's largest by SB Energy, is underway in Piketon, Ohio. Located at the site of a former uranium enrichment plant, the development is receiving significant local support due to the prospect of job creation and industrial revitalization, contrasting with opposition seen elsewhere.
A significant construction project is underway in Piketon, Ohio, which supporters claim could become the world's largest data center. The development is situated on a massive chunk of land that previously housed the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, a U.S. government facility for uranium enrichment.
SB Energy plans to transform this site into the data center. Former Pike County Commissioner Blaine Beekman noted that supporters highlight a national security argument for building data centers on American soil, in addition to economic benefits. Backers estimate a total investment of nearly $500 billion, with OpenAI suggesting the project could generate 35,000 construction jobs in the region. Retired steelworker Herman Potter mentioned unconfirmed early estimates of up to 1,000 permanent jobs.
Unlike many data center projects elsewhere, this development in Piketon appears to be widely supported, primarily driven by the promise of new jobs and industrial growth. The report emphasized a lack of significant opposition in the area, a stark contrast to the "not in my backyard" sentiments observed in other regions.