Aetherial Technologies, a leading cloud infrastructure provider, has officially announced plans to construct a new $2 billion hyperscale data center in New Albany, Ohio. The project represents a significant investment in the state's growing technology sector and is expected to create hundreds of jobs during its construction and operational phases.
The facility, which will be built on a 300-acre site, is designed to support the company's expanding cloud computing and artificial intelligence services. State and local officials have welcomed the development as a major economic catalyst for the region, solidifying Central Ohio's position as a key hub for digital infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
- Aetherial Technologies will invest $2 billion to build a new hyperscale data center in New Albany, Ohio.
- The project is expected to create over 200 permanent technical jobs and approximately 1,200 construction jobs.
- The facility will focus on supporting advanced cloud computing and AI workloads.
- The development highlights Central Ohio's emergence as a critical data center market in the United States.
Project Scale and Economic Impact
The planned data center is a massive undertaking for Aetherial Technologies. The initial phase of construction will focus on developing a 1.5 million-square-foot campus, with operations scheduled to begin in late 2026. According to company documents, the project will be executed in three distinct phases over five years.
This investment is projected to have a substantial economic benefit for the Licking County area and the wider Central Ohio region. The construction phase alone is expected to generate an estimated 1,200 temporary jobs for skilled tradespeople, engineers, and project managers. Once operational, the data center will employ over 200 full-time staff, including network engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and facility technicians.
By the Numbers: Ohio's Data Hub
- Total Investment: $2 billion
- Permanent Jobs: 200+
- Construction Jobs: 1,200
- Campus Size: 300 acres
- Facility Space: 1.5 million square feet
A Boost for the Local Economy
Local officials have praised the project's potential to stimulate economic growth. The infusion of capital and the creation of high-paying technical jobs are seen as critical drivers for the community. New Albany Mayor Michael Collins expressed his support for the initiative.
"This $2 billion investment from Aetherial Technologies is a testament to our region's robust infrastructure and skilled workforce. It not only brings high-quality jobs but also strengthens our position as a premier destination for technology companies."
The project is also expected to generate significant tax revenue for local municipalities and school districts, which will fund public services and infrastructure improvements for years to come.
Strategic Importance for Aetherial and Ohio
The decision to build in Ohio was a strategic one for Aetherial Technologies. The state offers several key advantages for data center operators, including reliable and competitively priced energy, a favorable business climate, and a lower risk of natural disasters compared to coastal regions.
For Aetherial, the new facility is essential for meeting the soaring demand for its cloud services. As businesses and consumers rely more heavily on data-intensive applications like artificial intelligence, streaming media, and the Internet of Things (IoT), the need for powerful, efficient data processing centers has become paramount.
Why New Albany, Ohio?
New Albany, often called the "Silicon Heartland," has become a magnet for major technology investments. Its strategic location, robust fiber optic networks, and access to a skilled talent pool from nearby Columbus have made it an ideal site for companies like Aetherial, Google, and Amazon Web Services to build critical digital infrastructure.
Expanding the Cloud Frontier
The new data center will be one of Aetherial's most advanced facilities, equipped with state-of-the-art cooling technology and designed for maximum energy efficiency. It will primarily support the company's next-generation AI platforms and provide low-latency cloud access for customers throughout the Midwest and East Coast.
According to a statement from Aetherial's CEO, Jane Foster, the expansion is a core part of the company's growth strategy. "Our investment in Ohio reflects our commitment to building a resilient and powerful global cloud infrastructure," Foster said. "This facility will enable us to deliver faster, more reliable services to our customers and support the innovations that will shape the future."
Addressing Energy and Environmental Concerns
The construction of a hyperscale data center brings significant attention to its potential environmental impact, particularly concerning energy and water consumption. Data centers are notoriously power-intensive, and the New Albany facility is expected to require a substantial amount of electricity to power its servers and cooling systems.
Commitment to Sustainable Operations
Aetherial Technologies has stated that sustainability is a key consideration for the project. The company plans to power the facility with 100% renewable energy through a combination of on-site solar installations and long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with regional wind and solar farms. This aligns with the company's broader corporate goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
The facility will also utilize an advanced closed-loop water cooling system, which is designed to minimize water consumption by recycling water within the system. This approach is estimated to be up to 90% more efficient than traditional water-based cooling methods.
"We are acutely aware of our environmental responsibilities. This data center is being designed from the ground up to be one of the most energy-efficient and water-conscious facilities in the world," a company spokesperson reported to Archeonis.
Despite these commitments, local environmental groups have called for transparency and ongoing monitoring to ensure the project meets its stated sustainability targets. The large energy draw remains a point of focus for community stakeholders, who are keen to see the region's green energy infrastructure grow in tandem with its data center capacity.