Nvidia Backs Record $105 Billion Ohio AI Data Center
Pike County, Wednesday, 26 August 2026.
Nvidia has committed $105 billion to back the world’s largest AI data center in Ohio, requiring eight gigawatts of power to drive next-generation artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Financial Structure and Strategic Partnerships
Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA) has confirmed financial backing amounting to $105 billion to support the construction of the PORTS Technology Campus in Piketon, Ohio [1]. This infrastructure project is being developed by SB Energy, with OpenAI slated to lease the facility upon completion [4]. Nvidia serves as the exclusive computer chip supplier for the site, securing a long-term revenue stream through this dedicated infrastructure [1]. The first phase of the project, comprising 800 megawatts, is estimated to cost between $30 billion and $40 billion, implying a cost per megawatt ranging from 37.500 million to 50.000 million dollars [5]. Nvidia’s financial guarantee backstops the completed asset’s value for this initial phase, though it does not cover OpenAI’s lease payments directly [4].
Energy Capacity and Grid Management
Once fully operational, the facility is projected to require 8 gigawatts of power, a capacity equivalent to the electricity needs of approximately 6.4 million homes [5]. This demand exceeds the combined residential consumption of the entire state of Ohio, highlighting significant grid management considerations for regional policymakers [1]. To address local utility concerns, SB Energy has committed to covering the full cost of grid upgrades and new transmission lines required to serve the data center [5]. Additionally, the facility will utilize closed-loop, air-cooled cooling systems designed to recirculate water, aiming to consume significantly less water than historical industrial operations at the site [1].
Employment Projections and Timeline
Construction of the PORTS-Pike Technology Campus is expected to generate 35,000 jobs in the region over the six-year period leading up to 2032 [1]. Upon completion, the site is projected to support 2,500 permanent operational positions [5]. The first phase of the facility is scheduled to come online by 2028, with full rollout targeted for 2032 [1]. As of 26 August 2026, no construction deadlines have been missed, and the project remains on schedule for its initial ramp-up phase [1]. These timelines are critical for investors monitoring Nvidia’s upcoming earnings report scheduled for 2026-08-26, where additional details on off-balance-sheet commitments may be disclosed [2].
Market Reaction and Political Landscape
Market response to the announcement has been mixed, with Nvidia stock falling more than 2% during midday trading on 2026-08-18 amid broader market weakness [2]. Political discourse surrounding the project has intensified ahead of upcoming Senate and gubernatorial elections, with candidates Vivek Ramaswamy and Jon Husted expressing support for construction with regulation [1]. Conversely, candidates Amy Acton and Sherrod Brown have expressed skepticism, with Acton proposing a conditional moratorium on new construction [1]. Analysts note that while off-balance-sheet risk matters, it resists easy valuation, though some view the current valuation as compelling despite financing risks [2].