tech
Hope and concern swirls for Ohioans around ‘world’s largest datacenter’
Piketon datacenter promises to generate thousands of jobs, but environmental groups voice concern over project
TL;DR
- OpenAI, Nvidia, and Japanese investors are spending $500 billion on a major AI data center in Piketon, Ohio.
- The project is expected to create 35,000 construction jobs and 2,500 operating jobs.
- The site is located on a decommissioned uranium enrichment facility, with a history of community health concerns.
- A new natural gas plant is planned to meet the data center's energy demands, raising environmental alarms about emissions.
- The project's investment is partly linked to a US-Japan trade deal involving tariffs.
- Local residents express a mix of hope for jobs and concern about environmental and social impacts, including rising rents and housing affordability.
- SB Energy, the project operator, has committed to accelerated cleanup and remediation of the site and will not charge Ohio ratepayers for grid connection.
- OpenAI is providing a $40 million community grant fund and free ChatGPT credits for Ohio college students.