SoftBank Plans $33B Gas-Powered 10GW AI Data Center in Ohio
SoftBank plans a 10-gigawatt AI data center on federal land in Ohio powered by $33 billion of natural gas-fired turbines. The first 800 MW phase will cost $30-40 billion and finish by early 2028, potentially boosting demand on American Electric Power’s regional grid.
1. Project Scope
SoftBank aims to build an AI computing complex capable of drawing 10 gigawatts of power on Department of Energy land in Ohio, making it one of the largest data centers globally.
2. Phase One Details
The initial phase will deliver 800 megawatts of capacity by early 2028 at a cost of $30-40 billion, with the first gas turbines arriving within a year and the full 9.2 gigawatts of turbine capacity deployed by 2030.
3. Implications for American Electric Power
The massive power draw could significantly increase load on AEP’s regional grid, prompting potential transmission upgrades and offering a substantial long-term demand boost for its electricity services.