News
Ohio regulators and EQT CEO cast doubt on rumored 9 GW data center project
Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 01:32 PM
The Ohio Power Siting Board reports that it has not received applications for a previously rumored 9 GW data center project in the Portsmouth area. EQT CEO Toby Rice suggested that large-scale project announcements often lack concrete details, reinforcing market skepticism regarding the initial scale and viability of the development.
Context
SoftBank Group is spearheading a $33 billion natural gas power project in Portsmouth, Ohio, as the centerpiece of a landmark trade deal between President Trump and Japan. Operated by subsidiary SB Energy, the 9.2 GW Portsmouth Powered Land Project is set to become the largest gas-fired facility in U.S. history. The plant will provide critical baseload power for energy-intensive AI data centers within the PJM Interconnection grid, delivering output equivalent to roughly nine nuclear reactors.
Announced in February 2026, the project addresses a "beg-a-watt" environment where surging digital demand outpaces supply. Despite its massive scale, analysts estimate the facility will cover only 20% of projected regional demand growth through 2030 at 60% capacity. This persistent shortfall is encouraging other developers to move forward with their own projects despite the entry of a politically backed rival. The move underscores SoftBank’s strategy to secure the physical energy infrastructure essential for the global AI supply chain.
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