SoftBank, AEP to build $33.3B gas plant, AI data center

Japan's SoftBank and American Electric Power (AEP) are collaborating on a substantial $33.3 billion project in Portsmouth, Ohio, which will include a 9.2-gigawatt gas plant and an artificial intelligence data center. This initiative is part of a broader U.S.-Japan technology partnership, as announced by the US Department of Energy. The project encompasses a significant investment of $4.2 billion for upgrading energy transmission lines to support the new infrastructure. While proponents highlight the potential for new jobs and economic growth in the region, environmental organizations such as the Sierra Club have voiced concerns regarding the gas plant's potential for pollution. Federal resources are also being allocated to manage energy costs and enhance US infrastructure through this partnership.