$33B natural gas plant proposed for southern Ohio

PORTSMOUTH, Ohio — A proposed $33 billion natural gas power plant in southern Ohio could become one of the largest in the country, generating up to nine gigawatts of electricity and reshaping the region’s economy. 

President Donald Trump announced the project, describing it as part of a broader effort to boost domestic energy production and meet rising demand from artificial intelligence and data centers.

The administration said the facility would help strengthen the power grid and support American manufacturing with affordable energy.

If built near Portsmouth, the plant would represent a major investment in the region. Portsmouth Mayor Charlotte Gordon said the area has long struggled to attract large-scale employers.

“Appalachia is used to being looked over. We don’t have a lot of opportunity here. We don’t have a lot of big job plants here anymore. So I think that this opportunity is really great to be able to hold our graduates here,” Portsmouth Mayor Charlotte Gordon said.

Gordon said the development could help keep young professionals and give families reasons to stay in southern Ohio.

Business leaders also welcomed the announcement. Lisa Carver, executive director of the Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, said many small businesses are still recovering from the pandemic and the project shows relief.

“The announcement could not have come at a better time. Most of our small businesses are still trying to recover from the pandemic, and with the thought of more opportunities, more influx of people, this is just wonderful,” Carver said.

She said the project could also benefit regional employers by helping them attract workers.

“The plan, I believe, will probably help our larger employers, Southern Ohio Medical Center [and] Shawnee State University, with recruiting. Their efforts are recruiting for professionals to the area because there will be more opportunities for families,” Carver said.

Gordon said many in the community are cautious and want more information, particularly about the project’s environmental impact and how a development of that size could affect the region’s resources and quality of life.

Key details, including the exact location, construction timeline, permitting process and potential long-term impact on energy bills, have not been released.

Portsmouth city leaders said those answers will be critical as the region weighs the potential economic gains against environmental concerns and considers how the project fits into Ohio’s broader energy future.