Central Ohio data center will have its own power plant
The Ohio Power Siting Board has approved the construction of a 250-megawatt natural gas power plant in Licking County, Ohio, to exclusively serve a data center. The data center is an affiliate of Meta Platforms, Inc., and the power plant will be constructed and operated by Will-Power OH, LLC. Taxpayers and ratepayers will not be responsible for any costs associated with the plant.
The Ohio Power Siting Board has granted approval for a 250-megawatt natural gas-powered electric generation plant in Licking County, Ohio, specifically designed to supply power to a data center. The data center will be operated by Sidecat, LLC, an affiliate of Meta Platforms, Inc.
Board spokesman Matthew Butler affirmed that all costs associated with the power facility will be borne by the project developers, ensuring no financial burden on taxpayers or ratepayers. The plant, which will also incorporate 116 MW of battery energy storage, is planned for a 109-acre site within the city of New Albany's Technology Manufacturing District (TMD) Zone. Will-Power OH, LLC is tasked with the construction, operation, and ownership of the facility, which will function independently, without physical connection to the broader electric power grid. The project is subject to 36 conditions aimed at mitigating potential impacts during its construction and operation.