Expand Energy Corp. shares surged Friday, posting their best one-day gain in a month and ranking among the top performers in the S&P 500. The rally came as traders positioned for the company's potential upside from a massive new natural gas-fired power plant planned in Ohio.

Energy stocks have been volatile this year amid shifting demand forecasts and infrastructure developments. The Ohio project, which will run on natural gas, could provide a significant new source of demand for producers like Expand Energy. Market participants are betting the plant will boost regional consumption and support prices.

While details about the Ohio facility remain limited, the market reaction suggests investors see clear upside for natural gas producers. Expand Energy's strong performance outpaced broader energy sector gains, indicating traders view the company as particularly well-positioned to benefit from the infrastructure expansion.