OpenAI joins PORTS-Pike project, secures 8 GW-IT campus in Ohio

OpenAI joins PORTS-Pike project

OpenAI is partnering with SB Energy, NVIDIA, and the U.S. Department of Energy to build an ~8 GW-IT data center campus at the PORTS-Pike site in Pike County, Ohio. The first 800 MW is expected online in 2028, with a six-year full buildout creating 35,000 construction jobs and 2,500 permanent roles. OpenAI says it will cover all energy and infrastructure costs, use closed-loop air cooling to keep ongoing water use comparable to an office building, and put $40M into a community grant fund. It is also giving $100 in Codex credits to each of ~844,000 Ohio college students. The post doesn't disclose GPU counts or specific model training plans—this reads as a long-term infrastructure play.

Why it matters: OpenAI's first mega-infra deal as principal — 8 GW IT load dwarfs any prior single-company AI buildout, with a concrete 2028 first-power timeline. Held at 78 because we only have the official announcement; no independent analysis yet on feasibility, environmental review, or gr...