OPSB authorizes construction of Licking County power plant

Public Utilities Commission of Ohio sent this bulletin at 06/26/2026 10:51 AM EDT

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OPSB authorizes construction of Licking County power plant

COLUMBUS, OHIO (June 26, 2026) - The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) approved the construction of a 250 megawatt natural gas fired electric generation facility in Licking County. The Socrates the Younger (STY) Power Generation Facility will operate “behind-the-meter” to serve the electric load of an adjacent data center and will not be physically connected to the electric power grid.

Will-Power OH, LLC will construct and operate the power plant on 109 acres at the southwest corner of Clover Valley Road and Harrison Road NW in New Albany, Ohio. The project will incorporate 116 MW of battery energy storage to accommodate fluctuations in demand and mitigate unplanned outages.

Will-Power OH must adhere to 36 conditions designed to minimize potential impacts during construction and operation. Sidecat, LLC, an affiliate of Meta Platforms, Inc. will consume the power generated by the facility.

More information regarding the STY facility and maps of the project area are available online at dis.puc.state.oh.us by searching case 26-0169-EL-BLN. The OPSB hosts an online mapping tool that illustrates the location of the facility and other approved and pending natural gas fired generation projects in Ohio.

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The Ohio Power Siting Board reviews applications for the construction of major utility facilities in Ohio. Together with Ohio’s elected officials, citizen stakeholders, and the energy industry, the Board strives to build a strong and competitive foundation for Ohio’s future.

For additional information, contact: Matt Butler | (614) 644-7670

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The OPSB is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws. To request a reasonable accommodation due to a disability please contact Stephanie Kamer at (614) 644-9746 or stephanie.kamer@puco.ohio.gov as soon as possible.