SoftBank plans to build a massive AI data center complex in Ohio that could provide up to 10 gigawatts of power, Bloomberg reports.
The facility, to be developed on federal land at a former uranium enrichment plant, is expected to cost $30 billion to $40 billion in the first phase and provide about 800 megawatts of capacity by early 2028, making it one of the world’s largest computing hubs.
To support this construction, SoftBank is supporting approximately $33 billion in natural gas power generation infrastructure, and turbines have already been procured and will be deployed across the region by the end of the decade. The total planned power generation capacity is approximately 9.2 gigawatts, comparable to some of the largest power projects in the United States.
This scale reflects the surge in demand for AI infrastructure as hyperscalers and governments compete for computing and energy capacity. A 10 gigawatt data center will consume the same amount of power as millions of homes, putting pressure on a power grid already struggling to keep up with AI-driven demands.
The project is tied to a broader $550 billion U.S.-Japan investment framework that includes energy and industrial infrastructure, and comes as policymakers push to secure domestic manufacturing capacity in the global AI race.
SoftBank has not yet revealed the site’s customers, but said partners will be involved in procuring chips and equipment. The company is working with local power companies to upgrade its power transmission infrastructure, with approximately $4.2 billion earmarked for grid expansion.
The proposal also highlights the growing tensions surrounding AI’s use of energy. Data center expansion has sparked a backlash in parts of the United States due to increased demand for electricity and water, even as governments prioritize building capabilities to compete with China in advanced technology.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Estefano Gómez. Please see our Editorial Policy for more information on how we create and review content.
