Energy-rich Ohio has a generational opportunity
To the editor:
Ohio has a historic opportunity to attract significant investment and AI data center projects to the region to help strengthen our economy and secure our future.
Powering new advanced technology and AI data centers requires reliable, abundant energy, and Ohio has it. As one of the leading producers of natural gas, Ohio can leverage its rich natural resources to help attract new investment and power America’s AI revolution.
The scale of energy needed to power AI data centers and help ensure grid reliability is undoubtedly immense.
According to a study by the Ohio Business Roundtable, Ohio’s regional energy needs could surge 50% in nine years with new power-intensive data centers.
What’s more, the electricity requirements for data centers can be up to 100 times those of an average industrial customer.
To keep pace with AI expansion, Ohio must continue developing natural gas while supporting timely and predictable permitting processes.
Access to affordable, reliable energy has helped shape Ohio’s economy, known for its strong base of advanced manufacturing, automotive production, agribusiness and refineries.
Natural gas, which is America’s leading fuel for electricity generation, has provided reliable baseload energy to power businesses, manufacturers and homes while reducing carbon dioxide emissions. In fact, natural gas-fired power has helped the U.S. achieve the largest decline in carbon dioxide emissions since 2005.
Energy-rich Ohio has a generational opportunity to secure the industries and jobs of tomorrow, benefiting Ohioans for decades to come. To keep pace with this development, Ohio must continue supporting an all-of-the-above energy strategy that includes affordable, reliable and low-carbon natural gas.
Fueling our future, one where America continues to lead on energy and AI, depends on the decisions we make today.
Sincerely,
Chris Zeigler
Columbus, Ohio
The writer is the executive director of American Petroleum Institute Ohio.