Pike County Hosts Open House for Proposed $33 Billion Natural Gas Power Plant and Data Center
An open house was held in Pike County, Ohio, to present plans for what could be the nation's largest natural gas power plant and data center, developed by SB Energy. The event, attended by over 100 residents, provided details on…
Columbus, OH, August 6, 2026 —
Pike County, Ohio – Residents gathered for an open house event to review proposals for a potentially massive energy and technology project, which could become the nation’s largest natural gas power plant and data center. The development is being spearheaded by SB Energy.
The open house, which saw attendance from over 100 residents, offered details about the proposed $33 billion undertaking. A key aspect of the project’s plan is its proximity to a former federal uranium enrichment facility located in the same region.
During the event, some attendees expressed concerns regarding the necessity of such a large-scale facility and its potential environmental ramifications. However, a significant observation from the meeting was the absence of any widespread, organized opposition to the project.
Sources familiar with the local sentiment suggest that this lack of organized resistance may be linked to the area’s ongoing economic difficulties and a long-standing reliance on federal initiatives for development and employment. The historical context of federal projects in the region appears to be a factor influencing community response to new large-scale developments.
Further details regarding the project’s timeline, specific construction plans, and environmental impact assessments were presented at the open house. The scale of the proposed power plant and data center, combined with its location, marks it as a significant potential development for Pike County and the broader region.
Story summarized from the original created by Dan Gearino, Inside Climate News on matternews.org, see more information here.
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