OpenAI announces role in Pike County AI campus expected to create 35,000 construction jobs
OpenAI has announced its commitment to occupy one of the world's largest data centers in Pike County, Ohio, a project expected to create 35,000 construction jobs. The company will secure 8 gigawatts of power at the PORTS-Pike Technology Campus and partner with local communities on energy, water use, and infrastructure investments. OpenAI, alongside SB Energy and NVIDIA, will ensure all project-specific energy and grid upgrade costs are covered without impacting Ohio ratepayers.
OpenAI has committed to being a tenant in what is projected to be one of the world's largest data centers, located in Pike County, Ohio. This ambitious project is expected to generate 35,000 construction jobs and 2,500 long-term operational positions.
The AI giant has entered an agreement to secure approximately 8 gigawatts of power at the PORTS-Pike Technology Campus. This initiative involves partnerships with SB Energy, chipmaker NVIDIA, and the U.S. Department of Energy. OpenAI expressed its intent to develop the project as a partner to Pike County, covering its specific energy and infrastructure costs, utilizing water responsibly, creating local job opportunities, and making long-term community-shaped investments.
The six-year construction phase is anticipated to continue through 2032. As part of its community engagement, OpenAI plans to invest $40 million into a community grant fund for projects identified by local residents and will also provide $84 million in ChatGPT Codex credits for Ohio college students. Jensen Huang, NVIDIA's president and chief executive, confirmed that OpenAI would build and operate an "AI factory" at PORTS-Pike, leveraging NVIDIA's full-stack DSX AI factory platform. Importantly, OpenAI and SB Energy have pledged to cover the full costs of grid upgrades and new transmission lines required for the data center, ensuring these expenses will not be passed on to Ohio or other regional ratepayers.