OpenAI has agreed to secure approximately 8 gigawatts-IT of capacity at the PORTS-Pike Technology Campus in Pike County, Ohio, partnering with SB Energy, NVIDIA, and the U.S. Department of Energy. The project aims to benefit the local community by covering its own energy and infrastructure costs, using water responsibly, and creating job opportunities. It is expected to generate 35,000 construction jobs during its six-year buildout through 2032 and 2,500 long-term operating jobs.

OpenAI and SB Energy will prioritize local workers, suppliers, and service providers, investing a combined $80 million in community grants—building on SB Energy’s existing $40 million commitment. Additionally, OpenAI will provide $84 million in Codex credits to roughly 844,000 eligible Ohio college students aged 18 and older during the 2026–2027 academic year, offering hands-on experience with AI tools for technical and creative tasks.

The data center will use closed-loop, air-cooled cooling systems to minimize water usage, comparable to an office building once operational. It will also strengthen the regional electricity grid through new transmission lines funded by SB Energy, without shifting costs to local ratepayers. The project is projected to generate hundreds of millions in state and local tax revenue, primarily benefiting public schools, roads, and emergency services.

SB Energy will build, own, and operate the facility under a 20-year lease to OpenAI, which will serve as the sole tenant hosting NVIDIA AI compute infrastructure. The first 800 megawatts are expected online by 2028, with full development contingent on infrastructure readiness, permits, and environmental reviews. NVIDIA will invest $1.5 billion in SB Energy and provide credit support for initial phases. Annual progress reports will be published, and a community compact will guide ongoing local engagement.