New U.S.-Japan Partnership to Build AI Infrastructure in Ohio

On March 20, 2026, the United States and Japan announced a landmark partnership to build the PORTS Technology Campus in Pike County, Ohio.

The campus aims to create a massive 10-gigawatt AI data center, supported by 9.2 GW of new natural gas power generation.

SoftBank, through its subsidiary SB Energy, is leading the $33.3 billion investment in energy infrastructure, while also collaborating with AEP Ohio on essential grid upgrades.

This "AI factory" is designed to meet the extreme energy demands of modern artificial intelligence without straining local power grids.

U.S. officials view this project as a critical move for domestic AI independence, expecting it to create thousands of jobs and boost economic efficiency.

By integrating high-performance computing with dedicated power sources, the U.S.-Japan collaboration aims to secure a dominant position in the global AI race while providing long-term benefits to the region.