How Aligned Data Centers Plans Growth Near Ohio Power Site
Aligned Data Centers has confirmed it will build a new AI-focused data campus in Central Ohio, marking its third major site in the state.
Aligned has secured a 197-acre site at the Conesville Industrial Park, adjacent to the former AEP Conesville Power Plant, with plans to convert the legacy brownfield site into a hyperscale-ready digital infrastructure hub.
“This multi-billion dollar development isn't just about cutting-edge data infrastructure for our customers – it's about revitalising a legacy site, spurring commercial development and creating thousands of jobs for the region,” says Joanna Soucy, EVP Brand Strategy at Aligned Data Centers.
“Our third Ohio campus is already off to a strong start, with a foundational customer secured for our first data centre's planned mid-2026 delivery.”
The project is expected to play a key role in addressing the growing demand for scalable AI and high-performance computing (HPC) capacity.
The site is set to host multiple data centre buildings and Aligned says a foundational customer has already signed for the first facility.
Strategic repurposing of legacy infrastructure
By developing on the site of a former coal-fired power plant, Aligned is coordinating large-scale AI infrastructure with broader industrial and energy transition trends.
The company says the redevelopment will not only bring commercial activity back to the site, but also stimulate job creation, economic growth and long-term technological investment in Southeast Ohio.
“Through this strategic expansion, Aligned not only reinforces its commitment to providing future-ready digital infrastructure in vital growth markets, but also directly catalyses billions of dollars in investment for the state of Ohio and the Coshocton County community,” says Andrew Schaap, CEO of Aligned.
“We are proud to see this investment revitalise a critical legacy site. It lays a powerful foundation, drawing new industries, creating high-quality jobs, and unlocking significant future opportunities for Southeast Ohio.”
Supporting high-density AI and enterprise workloads
The Coshocton campus will be built with support for advanced AI and HPC applications in mind.
Aligned offers adaptive data centre designs tailored to hyperscale and enterprise requirements, including high-density power configurations and sustainable cooling technology.
The phased construction approach will allow the site to scale alongside customer demand, as cloud providers, AI labs and data-rich enterprises expand their infrastructure footprints.
While full capacity figures have not been disclosed, the overall scale and location of the project signal its role as a future AI hub for the Midwest.
This comes as demand for AI infrastructure accelerates across the US, driving hyperscalers and colocation providers to secure large power-ready sites in strategic regions.
Ohio’s available land, industrial grid access and state-level economic development incentives have made it an attractive destination for these deployments.
Economic and community impact
Aligned says the project will create thousands of construction jobs over its lifespan, with hundreds of full-time operational roles to follow once the campus is online.
Beyond direct employment, the development is expected to increase local and state tax revenues, supporting public services and infrastructure improvements.
The company is also planning long-term engagement with local schools, technical training programmes and environmental organisations.
This includes potential partnerships to support workforce development, STEM education and sustainability initiatives tailored to the Coshocton region.
As hyperscale data centre investments increasingly intersect with community priorities, Aligned positions this project as a model for how digital infrastructure can drive both economic return and regional revitalisation.
Third major site in the state
This development will be Aligned’s third campus in Ohio, further establishing the state as a core market in the company’s US footprint.
Its other Ohio campuses are located in the northeast of the state.
By repurposing a legacy coal site into a new hub for AI infrastructure, Aligned’s expansion reflects the changing face of industrial land use — and the growing importance of hyperscale capacity to the next phase of US economic development.
