Hearing reveals deep divide over central Ohio data center power plants
A public hearing in western Licking County exposed strong opposition to proposed gas-fired power plants and battery storage facilities intended to support data centers in the New Albany area. Residents and environmental advocates raised concerns about air pollution, stormwater runoff, fracking impacts and water safety, while supporters cited jobs and tax revenue.
A hearing on the proposed 500-megawatt Neo Power Generation Facility and a 260-megawatt battery storage system proposed by Will-Power drew about 20 opponents and several supporters in New Albany. The facilities would provide electricity to data center development in western Licking County, including Meta's Prometheus campus, while proponents emphasized construction jobs and local tax revenue.
Opponents, including residents and representatives of Save Ohio Parks, questioned the plant's environmental effects and the efficiency of its proposed gas turbines and engines. The Ohio Power Siting Board and Public Utilities Commission of Ohio are handling the proposals, with additional hearings scheduled for the Will-Power project and the proposed PowerConneX New Albany 3 Energy Center, a 450-megawatt facility intended to serve a data center on the same site.